Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2012 9:37AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds with strong gusts / Freezing level at 1300mSunday: Light snowfall / Light southerly winds / Freezing level @ 1200m Monday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level @ 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region. We welcome all observations at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall accumulations across the region have been highly variable; however, as of Friday some areas had over 30cm overlying a variety of surfaces that formed during last week's dry spell. These surfaces may include well-settled storm snow and surface hoar. Relevant wind data has been extremely limited; however, some information suggests that winds have been in the moderate range. Forecast snow and increased wind values on Friday night and Saturday will add some more punch to this developing storm slab. There may be a thin buried surface hoar layer down about 115 cm. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 125cm down in some locations and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm.Snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New snow and wind forecast for the next few days will add to a developing wind/storm slab problem. The sensitivity of this layer may be higher in some areas due to the possibility of underlying surface hoar.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Although the likelihood of a release is low, the consequences of a persistent slab release could be significant. These layers may wake-up with additional loading.
Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2012 2:00PM