Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 22nd, 2013–Nov 23rd, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

This forecast is based on very limited field data. Please feel free to send your observations to [email protected].

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Generally moderate snowfall with the greatest accumulations occurring in the west of the region / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at about 700mSunday: Light intermittent snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at about 800mMonday: Possible clearing / Moderate south winds / Freezing level climbing to about 1500m

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity has been reported from the region. This may speak more to the lack of observations rather than actual conditions. I would expect a new round of storm/wind slab activity with snow and wind forecast for Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Information coming from this region has been extremely limited; however, reports suggest there is just over a metre of snow at treeline in the deeper snowpack areas.A storm that occurred mid-week deposited between 15 and 60cm of new snow with strong to extreme westerly winds. Although the resulting storm snow has probably gained significant strength, lingering wind slabs may still exist at higher elevations.The mid and lower snowpack are reported to be fairly well consolidated, although I would be suspicious of weaknesses that may have formed (crusts, surface hoar, facets) during the clear spells in recent weeks.Watch for new storm/wind slab development with the storm forecast for Saturday.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

A storm forecast for Saturday is likely to create touchy storm slabs, especially in wind-affected terrain at higher elevations.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3