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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 26th, 2020–Nov 27th, 2020
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

 Watch for changing conditions as strong winds may mean that wind slabs become increasingly reactive throughout the day. 

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-50 km/h / alpine low temperature near -8 

FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / southwest wind, 25-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m

SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / west wind, 20-40 km/h, easing in the afternoon / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 900 m

SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / southwest wind, 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3  

Avalanche Summary

Strong winds are likely forming fresh wind slabs, which may become more reactive throughout the day.

There have been very few reports of avalanches in the region, however observations are limited at this time. 

In the past week there have been a few size 2 avalanches reported on the early November crust. These have been triggered by both humans and explosives.

If you get out into the mountains, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds on Thursday night and Friday will likely be forming fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. Expect these wind slabs to be the most reactive in areas that saw more than 10 cm of new snow over the past week. There is a crust from early November that is down approximately 50-75 cm. This layer has been observed to have weak, sugary facets above and below it. Recent observations of this layer indicate that it has the potential to be triggered by humans.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds are likely forming fresh wind slabs, which may become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A crust from early November exists down about 50-75 cm. This layer has weak, sugary facets above and below it. Recent observations suggest that it has the potential to be triggered by humans.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5