Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2014 8:19AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Storm slabs are building at alpine elevations. We have limited observations from the field. Send us yours at forecaster@avalanche.ca!

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of fronts is coming in quick succession over the next few days. Saturday: Precipitation eases in the morning. Cooling temperatures. Moderate NW mountain top winds. Freezing level lowering to around 500 m.Sunday: 5-10 mm precipitation. SW winds increasing. Monday: 5-20 mm precipitation with strong to gale SW winds. Rising temperatures. Freezing level climbing to near 2000m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported. Please let us know what you're seeing out there.

Snowpack Summary

Welcome to winter! As we begin our forecasting season, we are working with limited information from the field. Early reports suggest there's enough snow for avalanches at alpine elevations in some places. Recent snow is likely to have been redistributed into slabs on lee slopes at alpine elevations. This snow may overlie a weak old snow surface (surface hoar, facets and/or a crust) which developed during the recent dry spell. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach as new snow builds deeper above this layer.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow is building up over a potentially weak old surface interface. Changing winds may leave wind slabs on a variety of slopes.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2014 2:00PM