Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2016 5:19PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Be on the lookout for lingering wind slabs in the alpine. Avoid likely trigger spots such as shallow, rocky, wind affected areas.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy / Light westerly winds / Freezing level around 1100 m. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / Freezing level at valley bottom. Friday: Stormy with 3-5 cm snow / Moderate to strong southwesterly winds / Freezing level around 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Monday, however, there is currently very limited data for this region. Please report your observations to the Mountain Information Network(MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Observations are very limited in this region. Expect to find wind slabs in wind affected alpine terrain, especially below ridge tops. The crust formed in mid-November is down 60-80 cm. Average snowpack depths at treeline are 70-150 cm with generally less snow in the southern portions of the region. Early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks remain the primary hazards below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for several days.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff or 'slabby'.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

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

If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Avoid regrouping in runout zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2016 2:00PM