Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2016 4:08PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Storm slabs were very reactive over the weekend. Give the snow time to gain strength before stepping into steeper terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -8. Tuesday: Cloudy / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -10. Wednesday: Isolated flurries / light southwest winds / treeline temperature -8.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slabs were reported over the weekend, with numerous size 1-1.5 skier-triggered avalanches at treeline elevations and several size 2-3 natural storm slabs in the alpine. Storm slabs may remain touchy in the upcoming days as the new snow settles and as the wind redistributes the new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Saturday's storm brought another 25-30 cm to the Monashees and 10-15 cm to the Selkirks. The newest snow has been very reactive, forming touchy storm slabs throughout the region. A total of 50-80 cm of new snow has fallen in the past week and has been dramatically affected by wind in the alpine. The mid-November crust is now buried 60-120 cm deep, with recent reports suggest the snow is bonding well to the crust. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well bonded. Limited observations suggest snowpack depths are 130-200 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may remain touchy even though the storms have passed, especially at higher elevations and on wind-loaded features.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2016 2:00PM