Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

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A significant storm has brought up to 70 cm new snow to this region, particularly to southern areas such as Torpy, Renshaw and Kakwa. Avoid avalanche terrain during and immediately after the storm. 

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Southern areas 25 cm, northern areas 10-15 cm new snow. Moderate northwest winds. Cooling trend.

SATURDAY: Dry and clearing towards noon. Moderate northwesterly winds becoming westerly in the afternoon. Treeline temperatures around -9C.

SUNDAY: Windy, with strong southwesterly winds at ridgetop. Dry. Freezing level rising to around 1400 m.

MONDAY: 5-10 cm new snow. Strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level around 1500 m. 

Avalanche Summary

I strongly suspect there will be evidence of natural avalanches from Friday's storm.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are approximately 150 cm in the north west of the region (Pine Pass), 180 cm in the south (Renshaw, Kakwa) and 100 cm in the the north east (Tumbler ridge).

In the deeper areas, successive storms have resulted in deep powder in the upper snowpack. Expect to sink in far if you step off your machine. In windy areas, this snow will almost certainly have been blown into denser wind deposits.

Most likely the most significant instabilities are within or at the base of the most recent storm snow, approximately 50 cm below the snow surface.

Crusts have been reported towards the base of the snowpack. These are of most concern on steep terrain in thinner snowpack areas.

Terrain and Travel

  • Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

30-70 cm recent storm snow has fallen in this region with the highest amounts in the south.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2020 4:00PM

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