Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 2021 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

Rapid loading, warm temps and strong winds associated with an incoming storm will cause a sharp rise in avalanche danger. Danger levels increasing will be tightly tied to the timing of the incoming storm the next few days. Keep a close eye on weather. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

A storm is approaching the region that will give us a significant amount of snow. Models are calling for between 40-60cm by Monday afternoon with strong SW winds and warm temperatures. The main pulse is forecast to arrive late Sunday evening. Freezing levels are forecast to be around 2000m. This storm will make a lot of areas "Game on" for winter. 

Avalanche Summary

No new reported avalanches over the past 24hr. 

Snowpack Summary

Limited data is available so far this season as forecasters havent been out due to low snow amounts and challenging travel. Currently 30-50cm of snow is at treeline with a temperature crust related to recent rains 10-20cm off the ground. We don't have a firm grasp on how high this crust goes at this time due to limited field observations. WIndslabs are being reported in alpine areas along ridgelines and crossloaded features. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Windslabs and storm slabs will be developing in open terrain with the new snow and winds and warm temperatures.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2021 3:00PM