Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 26th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
dnylen,
Avalanche Canada
A weak layer of snow near the bottom of the snowpack means there is the potential for large natural and human triggered avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Reports of avalanche activity have tapered since the storm but 1 large (size 2.5) natural avalanche in the alpine on a northwest facing slope was reported in the last 24 hours.
Observations are very limited at this time of year. If you do head out, do so with a cautious and investigative mindset, and consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures and rain at lower elevations have made for moist and heavy snowpack, at higher elevations there is a surface crust above dry snow.
Observations are limited, but above 1500 m a problematic crust/facet combination exists near the base of the snowpack in the Bear Pass and Ningunsaw area (likely elsewhere too). With total snowpack depths around 150 cm at 1000m, this layer is a concern for human triggering, particularly in shallow or variable depth snowpack areas in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Cloudy with snow, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.
Monday
Cloudy with snow, up to 5cm accumulation, southwest alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds with light flurries, west to northwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds with no precipitation, southeast to east alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -12°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Northwest wind accompanying last week's storm have formed lingering wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of sugary facets overlying a crust have been reported near the base of the snowpack. Observations of this layer have been limited, but it is most likely to be problematic in steep, wind-loaded alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 27th, 2023 4:00PM
