Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 27th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for recently formed wind slabs at upper elevations and be aware of the potential for larger avalanches due to a crust that was buried in early November.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Friday night: A trace of snow, strong west wind, freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday: Clearing, northwest wind easing through the day, freezing level 1200-1400 m.
Sunday: Scattered cloud, light southwest wind, freezing level 700 m.
Monday: Flurries, moderate southwest wind, freezing level 800 m.
Avalanche Summary
Our eyes and ears in the mountains are limited at this time of year and may continue this winter due to fewer professional observations. If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing it with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Even just a photo of where you went is helpful. A big thank you to those that have already shared their observations thus far.
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snowpack depths sit around 100 to 150 cm in the north and 50 to 100 cm in the south of the region.Â
Recent strong southerly wind has formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at upper elevations. In more sheltered areas, 10-15 cm may overly a layer of weak and feathery surface hoar (observed at Kootenay Pass).
Melt-freeze crusts from mid- and early-November are generally found 30 cm below the snow surface and 30 cm up from the ground, respectively. Most reports indicate that the bonds at the interfaces with these crusts are improving.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the possibility for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong southerly wind has formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A crust exists near the base of the snowpack. The few reports we have indicate an improving bond to the overlying snow in most areas. But potential for full depth avalanches may exist in areas where weak, sugary facets overly this crust, especially in areas of smooth ground cover such as scree slopes, grassy slopes, or rock slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 28th, 2020 4:00PM
