Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2013 8:09AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

New snow and wind will start to develop storm slabs. Recently buried surface forms may not bond well to the new snow.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Light snow in the morning but picking up in the evening with an associated increase in westerly winds. Expect 5-10cm and moderate to strong westerly winds by the end of the day. Freezing levels should remain in valley bottoms.Monday: Continued moderate to locally heavy snowfall with the heaviest amounts likely on the east of the divide. Strong winds shifting to north-easterly as the temperatures drops.Tuesday: Becoming clear and cold with North-easterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Smooth alpine slopes that did not previously slide may still be of concern. With very little data on the current conditions, you need to be your own detective out there. If you see or trigger an avalanche, please send us a note at: forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snowpack depths in sheltered areas vary between approximately 40-100 cm. The current snowpack has been subjected to strong wind, cold temperatures and chinook driven warming. As a result it should be easy to find wind scoured snow, old wind slabs, crusts and faceted snow. Crusts with associated facets may be lurking near the base. This weakness may still be of concern on isolated smooth terrain features that have not seen avalanche activity.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are expected to start to develop with forecast new snow and wind.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2013 2:00PM