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Avalanche Forecast

Nov 29th, 2013–Nov 30th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Columbia.

Saturday`s danger ratings are based on light snowfall overnight Friday and Saturday. If new snowfall amounts are upwards of 15cm in your area, actual danger ratings may be higher.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Mostly light snowfall with moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1400 m.Sunday: Heavy snowfall with strong westerly winds. Freezing level around 1400m.Monday: Light to moderate snowfall with light southwest winds. Freezing level dropping to 1000m

Avalanche Summary

No reports of recent avalanche activity have been received. I would expect a new round of storm slab activity with weather forecast for the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depths range from 110 to 160cm at treeline across the region. On the surface a newly developing storm slab covers a variety of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, melt-freeze crusts on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar in shaded terrain.In the mid snowpack you may find a layer of surface hoar buried in mid-November ranging from 50-90cms in depth. An October crust/facet combo exists near the base of the snowpack. These persistent layers are slowly becoming more difficult to trigger. However, they have the potential to cause large and destructive avalanches, and may 'wake-up' with the increased load of new snow forecast for the next few days.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slab avalanches have become less likely; however, if triggered they may be large and destructive. Persistent slabs may also `wake-up` with new snow forecast for the weekend.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Caution around large unsupported slopes and areas with a thin or variable snowpack. Persistent slabs have the potential for wide propagation.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 5

Storm Slabs

New snow will add to a developing storm slab problem. New storm slabs may be extra touchy in wind-affected terrain, or in areas where recently buried surface hoar exists.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize due to the presence of buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2