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Avalanche Forecast

Nov 23rd, 2013–Nov 24th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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

Regions: South Columbia.

Forecast produced with limited field observations.  If you're in the field, please send any information to:forecaster@avalanche.ca

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cool temps will give way to gradual warming for the forecast period with freezing levels going up to 3000 M in the next few days. No significant precipitation is in the forecast for the next 7 days. Winds are expected to be generally light to moderate for the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

High winds accompanying the last significant snowfall produced wind slabs in exposed alpine and tree line locations producing avalanches up to size 3. Rising temps may produce wet sloughs on steep S facing alpine slopes and could trigger deeper instabilities

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow is settling and will gain strength with time and warming temps. Wind slabs linger in lee terrain. Surface hoar buried in early November exists in the mid snowpack but due to a lack of data little is known about its reactivity. The October crust/facet interface buried in the lower snowpack will likely be of concern for the foreseeable future. Valley fog and cold clear temps are producing a new surface hoar layer at fog levels and in sheltered north aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs persist in the alpine and at tree line especially on lee slopes
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

A crust layer buried near the base of the snowpack will remain problematic for some time to come, with the possibility of producing large and destructive avalanches.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Loose Wet

Rising temperatures can produce wet sloughs on southerly aspects and may trigger deeper instabilities
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid steep Southerly aspects.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4