Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2018 3:07PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Welcome to winter! It's that time of year when winter is slowly winding up and observations are limited. Due to limited data it is CRITICAL to supplement this information with your own observations. Please post your observations to the MIN.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light westerly ridgetop winds, freezing levels around 400 m. SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, strong southeasterly ridgetop winds, freezing levels around 500 m. SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, moderate southeasterly ridgetop winds, freezing levels around 700 m.MONDAY: 10-15cm new snow throughout the day, strong southeasterly ridgetop winds, freezing levels rising to around 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were reported in this region. However, we currently have very limited observations in this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Many areas in this region only have enough snow to ride (or avalanche) in the alpine elevation band. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 50-120 cm in the alpine, 40-70 cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. For those areas that have more snow, remember, "If there is enough snow to ride, there is enough snow to slide." We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.5-15 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a crust that was formed during last week's temperature inversion. Surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) that formed during last week's dry period were likely melted by warm temperatures, but may have been preserved on sheltered, north facing slopes at treeline elevations. Expect to find an early season crust near the bottom of the snowpack in many areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
The slopes that have the most snow to ride, may also be in areas most likely to trigger wind slabs, such as gully features below ridgetops.
Stay alert to changing conditions with elevation.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.Avoid wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2018 2:00PM