Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 25th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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 -8Â
Avalanche Summary
There have been very few reports of avalanches in the region, however observations are limited at this time.Â
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. Â
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.
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 26th, 2020 4:00PM
