Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2012 8:07AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Generally good early season conditions exist, with the best skiing being on sheltered areas above treeline. Watch for early season hazards, and the effects of solar warming in the afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will hold over the region today. A TROWAL is expected to move into the area later this afternoon in advance of a series of pacific frontal systems, bringing up to 10 mm of precipitation to the area on Wednesday and Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

The storm slab is most reactive where it overlies a sun crust down ~30cm on steep solar aspects in the alpine. The Nov 6 crust is down 80-120cm with facets around the crust. Results vary; sudden planar-collapse; Comp test easy- deep tap test hard.

Avalanche Summary

Small solar cycle yesterday afternoon to size 1.5/2. Otherwise all quiet (so far).

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

The storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab in some locations. It is most reactive on steep solar slopes in the alpine where it overlies a sun crust, but is evident in wind affected northerly aspects as well.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

A small solar cycle yesterday is an indication that mild temperatures combined with periodic direct solar radiation is weakening the surface of the snowpack on steep solar aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2012 8:00AM