Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2015 7:57AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Unusually warm alpine temperatures may drive danger up.Thanks to everyone who has been submitting to the Mountain Information Network. Join the movement!

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Clear skies, with a high freezing level near 3000 m. It is expected to remain clear, dry and unusually warm at alpine elevations through to Monday.For more details check out avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

There is anywhere from 60-150 cm on the ground. Recent northerly outflow winds have scoured upwind slopes back to a firm crust, and created wind slabs on lee aspects. The snowpack is highly variable across different aspects and elevations.Wind slabs could be triggered by the weight of a person, especially where they overlie surface hoar, crusts or facets. The other big story is unusual warming at alpine elevations, which may weaken surface layers, or even wake up deeper snowpack weaknesses. Id take a cautious approach to big/ exposed terrain until winter temperatures return to normal.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking near, or well below, ridge crests. Conditions are highly variable, so be alert to hollow, drummy sounds and changes in the feel of the snow as you travel.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and use a cautious approach to terrain while gathering information along the way.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Unusually warm alpine temperatures may weaken surface snow and lead to loose wet avalanches.

Watch for clues that indicate that the snowpack is warming up, like sluffing off of cliffs, snow balling and natural avalanche activity.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2015 2:00PM