Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2013 3:00PM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

This forecast is based on limited field data. Feel free to send any observations to forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A high pressure ridge is now entrenched across the interior of the province, bringing dry conditions, light north winds and a temperature inversion. In the Kootenays this inversion will be strong enough to drive temperatures above freezing in the alpine.Sunday: Mainly clear skies, no precipitation, moderate winds from the north-west, freezing levels range between 1700 and 2000m.Monday: Mainly clear skies, no precipitation, moderate winds from the west, freezing levels dropping to between 1500 and 1800mTuesday: Partly cloudy, no precipitation, light winds from the south-west, freezing levels rising to between 1700 and 1900m

Avalanche Summary

We've received reports of small lose snow avalanche releasing on steep sunny aspects in the alpine as the temperatures warm.

Snowpack Summary

Between 80 to 100cm of snow can be found at treeline although observations are limited and this amount may vary dramatically across the region.Warm temperatures are encouraging storm snows from earlier in the week to settle and bonding to the underlying thin, early season snow pack.Roughly 60 to 70cm of snow is now sitting on a widespread crust from mid November with a second crust sitting just above the ground.

Problems

Loose Wet

Rocks and trees poking through the thin snowpack will warm in the sun weakening the snowpack around them as temperatures rise.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Avoid steep sun exposed slopes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lingering on lee features in the alpine. Wind slab avalanches could have the potential step down to the deeper rain crust and produce larger avalanches.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Reports indicate that a widespread crust exits near the base of the snowpack . Where this crust is smooth or is overlayed by facets this layer might be able to produce large avalanches.

Use your probe or a ski pole to carefully evaluate snow depths as you travel and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2013 2:00PM