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Avalanche Forecast

Nov 25th, 2020–Nov 26th, 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: South Columbia.

Welcome to the winter 2020/2021 forecast season! Watch for reactive wind slabs at upper elevations, and be aware of the potential for larger avalanches due to a crust that was buried in early November. 

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT- Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / west wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -9

THURSDAY- Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -8

FRIDAY- Flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest wind, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / Freezing level 1000 m

SATURDAY- Flurries, 5 cm / northwest wind, 15-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -8 

Avalanche Summary

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 2-3 avalanches reported on the early November crust in both the South Columbia and neighbouring Glacier National Park region.  

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

Snowpack Summary

Recent stormy weather brought anywhere from 10-25 cm of fresh snow to the region earlier in the week. There are a couple of crusts in the mid snowpack, from mid and early November. The most prominent of these is from early November, and it has been reported that there are weak, sugary facets above and below this crust. It is down approximately 70-100 cm, and recent observations indicate that this layer has the potential to be triggered by humans. Several reports indicate that it is likely the most reactive on south facing slopes.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent fresh snow and winds have likely formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at upper elevations.

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 70-100 cm. This layer has weak, sugary facets above and below it. There are limited observations on this layer right now, however some recent test results suggest that it has the potential to be triggered by humans. Recent observations have also indicated that this layer may be the most reactive on south facing slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5