Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2014 8:21AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

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

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of fronts is coming in quick succession over the next few days. Friday:5-10 mm precipitation followed by strong SW mountain top winds. Freezing level around 800 m.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: Around 10 mm precipitation with strong SW to W winds. Rising temperatures.

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 and some treeline elevations. 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.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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