Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2015 7:56AM

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 Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

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

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

It is expected to remain dry through to Monday morning, with possible cloud in the valleys. A layer of warm air aloft is driving temperatures above zero at alpine elevations. The outlier is the NW corner of the region (north of Stewart), where the edge of a frontal system may bring 50 cm of snow this weekend, driving the local avalanche danger up rapidly.For more details check out avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

So far, we only have limited information from the field. Initial reports suggest that there is around 150 cm at 2000 m. Recent outflow winds have created variable wind slabs and crusts. In some places, these may overlie crusts, surface hoar or facets.One report mentions a series of crusts and facets, with hard/ sudden planar results in snowpack tests. If I were traveling in the mountains, I'd maintain an investigative approach and dig down to test for weak layers before committing to a slope.

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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

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 - 4

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