Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 21st, 2016–Nov 22nd, 2016
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Given the very limited information on hand for this bulletin, I would tread very cautiously and take the time to gather snowpack information as I go. Please submit any observations from your day to the MIN.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Weather off the South Coast remains persistent with a solid southerly flow through tonight and tomorrow. Cooler air and strong wind accompanies this low, keeping freezing levels lower then expected with these frontal systems. Freezing levels will hover around 1200 m then cooling for the remainder of the week. Tonight through Wednesday will see snowfall amounts 20-35 cm. The region will continue to receive light amounts through the rest of the week. Bring on winter!

Avalanche Summary

The region continues to get slammed with snow and wind at upper elevations. No new avalanche observations have been reported, however; I suspect you may see some natural avalanche activity in the alpine and possibly at treeline. Rider triggering, especially on leeward loaded slopes are likely.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are variable across the region with the snow line sitting around 1400 m and below threshold for avalanche activity at that elevation. Average snowpack depths at treeline are 60-100 cm with the upper 30-50 cm sitting on a thick crust and solid mid pack. In the alpine snowpack depths are 150 cm plus with the crust down 65 cm. Reports suggest the new snow is sticking to the crust. Forecast strong winds and more snow will likely build touchy wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features at higher elevations. When traveling in the mountains Id maintain an investigative approach and dig down to test for weak layers before committing to a slope. If you've been in the mountains, please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow at higher elevations are building touchy storm slabs especially on leeward slopes that see more loading due to wind transport.
Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2