Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 16th, 2016–Nov 17th, 2016

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

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

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

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Glacier.

Snow levels are low in the valley bottom, while in the alpine things are near average. Early season conditions mean rocks and trees can end your day very badly, so ski/ride conservatively. It's only mid-November!

Weather Forecast

Expect mainly cloudy skies today, with minor flurries, moderate westerly winds at ridge-top, and freezing levels remaining in the valley bottom. Much the same for Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

30-35cm of new snow covers a thin, near-isothermal snowpack. Westerly winds have transported this new snow and formed soft slabs in lee features at tree-line and above. Below 2000m, snow depths are less than 70cm with many early season hazards (rocks and trees) lurking at or just below the surface.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations from Tuesday, but visibility was very poor. One size 2 avalanche (24+ hrs), W aspect, tree-line elevation, observed on McGill Shoulder on Monday. The new snow covered the crown line, but it appeared to dig deep in to the isothermal, early season snow pack.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Winds to 70km/h last night have formed storm slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. 30-70cm soft slabs can be found in lee features. These sit on a soft crust and may be easier to trigger where the slabs have stiffened due to wind.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

There is enough new snow for loose avalanches to push a person over steep features. Given the thin nature of the early season snowpack, sticking to well-supported, moderate terrain would be a wise choice.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2