Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2014 8:07AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

A small storm moving South along the coast may bring 10-15 cm of snow to alpine elevations in the coastal mountains.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Overcast with 3-5 mm of precipitation forecast overnight combined with moderate West-Southwest winds. Alpine temperatures around -10 may result in 10-15 cm of snow at higher elevations. Continued overcast on Tuesday with strong Northwest winds, very light precipitation, and alpine temperatures around -5. Winds becoming light Westerly on Wednesday under high overcast cloud.

Avalanche Summary

Some small size 1.0 releases were reported from the Shames area that may have been caused by solar warming. Please let us know what you're seeing out there. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

Melt-freeze crust and wind crusts have been reported on all but South and Southwest aspects in the Shames area. Some windslab development was also reported from the Northeasterly outflow winds. Be alert to signs of wind loading like patterns on the snow surface, variable new snow depths, and dense or hollow sounding snow. A potential weak layer interface (crust and faceted snow) may be buried 30-50 cm deep. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent outflow winds may have developed new windslabs in areas with enough snow available for transport. Forecast new snow may not bond to these windslabs.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2014 2:00PM