Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 28th, 2017–Nov 29th, 2017

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

Fernie received 16 cm overnight with a lot of wind. Suspect dangerous wind slab is building in exposed lee areas. Danger ratings updated 8am on Wed, November 29.

Confidence

Low - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature -5. Freezing level 1000 mTHURSDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate gusting to strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature -5. Freezing level 1000 mFRIDAY: Cloudy isolated flurries. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature -5. Freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

Large loose, wet avalanches were reported during last week's rain event. With a return to more winter-like temperatures and freezing levels the snow surface has since refrozen and no new avalanche activity has been reported. Wind affect in the recent snow has been noted on northeast through south aspects in the alpine. As wind continues to redistribute the new snow expect to find pockets of wind slab in lee areas.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations about 5-10 cm of snow has fallen on the crust that formed after last week's rain and warm weather. Reports from the area indicate that the crust is supportive, up to 10 cm thick and extends to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Many areas below treeline are below threshold depths for avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Be cautious in lee and cross loaded areas where wind loading may have created wind slabs. Watch for signs of wind affected, "pillowy" snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2