Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2017 4:28PM

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

jmcbride, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

New snow and strong winds are expected to build storm slabs on the recent rain crust. Be extra cautious in leeward areas where wind-deposited, "pillowy" snow maybe present.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

As much as 10-15 cm of snow is forecast for Sunday night along with strong strong winds and lowering freezing levels.Monday: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong west wind. Alpine Temperature -5. Freezing level 1000 m.Tuesday: Flurries. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Alpine Temperature -5. Freezing level 1100m.Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong west wind. Alpine temperature -5. Freezing level 1100m.

Avalanche Summary

Large loose, wet avalanches were reported during last week's rain event. With the arrival of cooler temperatures on Saturday, reports indicate that the snow surface has refrozen and no new avalanche activity has been reported. As snow and wind load the old surface expect to see an increase in activity in the new storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 5 cm of moist snow overlies the crust that formed following the rain event on November 23rd. The crust is up to 10 cm thick and extends to mountain top elevations on all aspects. The snowpack below the crust is moist to ground. Rain has washed away much of the snow below treeline and in many areas there is not enough snow to produce avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Assess how the new snow is bonding to the old crust before committing to any open or steep slopes.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow will form slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2017 2:00PM