Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2016 5:00PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Be on the lookout for lingering wind slabs in the alpine. Avoid likely trigger spots such as shallow, rocky, wind affected areas.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries / Light to moderate southwesterly winds / Freezing level around 1100 m. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light westerly winds / Freezing level at valley bottom. Friday: Stormy with 5-10 cm snow / Moderate to strong southwesterly winds / Freezing level around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a explosive triggered size 2 avalanche was reported on a northerly aspect at 2200 m. south of Revelstoke.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find wind slabs in open terrain at treeline and above. The storm slabs created over the weekend should be gaining strength but may still be reactive to human triggers. The mid-November crust is now buried 80-140 cm deep. Recent reports suggest the overlying snow is well bonded to this crust. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well settled. Snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with an average of 130-200 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for several days.

Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may remain touchy even though the storms have passed, especially at higher elevations and on wind-loaded features.

Avoid regrouping in runout zones.If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2016 2:00PM