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Avalanche Forecast

Nov 26th, 2020–Nov 27th, 2020
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: North Columbia.

Strong winds and new snow will form fresh slabs that will likely become more reactive throughout the day. Avoid overhead hazard in times of high winds. Higher snowfall amounts in the north may mean that riding areas near Valemount are more in line with the Cariboos forecast.

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-15 cm / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -7 / freezing level 900 m

FRIDAY - Flurries, 5-15 cm / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h, gusting to 80 km / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1100 m

SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / west wind, 20-40 km/h, easing in the afternoon / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 900 m

SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / south wind, 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5   

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day with the arrival of new snow and strong winds.

There have been very few reports of avalanches in the region, however observations are limited at this time. 

In the past week there have been a few size 2-3 avalanches reported on the early November crust in both the North Columbia and neighbouring Glacier National Park region.  

If you get out into the mountains, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new snow on Thursday night with another 5-15 cm expected on Friday will arrive with strong southwest winds. The biggest snowfall amounts are expected to be in the northern half of the region. Storm slabs will likely be widespread in the region. A crust from early November exists down approximately 90-130 cm. This crust has been observed to have weak, sugary facets above and below it. Recent tests on this layer indicate that it may be bonding poorly, and has the potential to be triggered by humans. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow with strong winds will be forming fresh storm slabs, that will likely become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

A crust from early November exists down about 80-100 cm. This layer has weak, sugary facets above and below it. There are limited observations on this layer right now, however some recent test results suggest that it has the potential to be triggered by humans.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3