Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Little change expected over the week as cold air pushes through BC. The most likely spots for avalanches is wind affected terrain near ridges.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with some isolated flurries, 30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.

MONDAY: Partly cloudy, 20-30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine temperatures around -10 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine temperatures around -12 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 40-60 km/h wind from the northeast, alpine temperatures around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Winter weather has arrived, but the snowpack is still shallow with lots or rocks and logs poking out (see these recent MIN reports here and here for some pictures). Total snowpack depth ranges from 80 to 100 cm on north-facing alpine terrain, while south-facing terrain only has 30 to 80 cm. There is 5-20 cm of low density snow on the surface sitting above widespread crusts. The most likely place for avalanches right now is on slopes where the wind has blown the recent snow into wind slabs.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The most likely spot for avalanches is at higher elevations where recent wind has blown the snow into wind slabs. Be careful around ridgetops and alpine terrain where these wind slabs may exist.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2019 4:00PM