Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 25th, 2012 9:20AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variations in conditions are likely to exist. Check out the forecasters blog for further details on interpreting early season bulletins.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Skies will be mostly clear for Monday with increasing cloud on Tuesday. Moderate snowfall is expected by Wednesday. Ridgetop winds should be mostly light and variable switching to strong from the southwest with the approach of Wednesday's system. Freezing levels should hover at about 800m dropping to surface by Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new avalanches reported from the region. This may speak more to the lack of observations than actual occurrences. If you have any observations to share, please send us an email.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths vary from 60cm in the Northern part of the region to about 115 cm in the Southern part of the region. Weather stations around the region recorded light accumulations on Friday and Saturday with up to 40 cm falling throughout last week. I expect new windslabs to have formed in exposed areas, particularly at higher elevations. These windslabs may take some time to bond and triggering may occur by additional light loads such as a person. The data used to produce our avalanche bulletins is extremely limited at this time of the year. Any information you have about the snowpack would be greatly appreciated. Please communicate with us by email.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Human triggered windslab avalanches are possible on open exposed slopes below ridge crests, behind terrain features, and in cross-loaded gullies.

Forecasters are operating with a lot of uncertainty at this time.>If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 26th, 2012 2:00PM