Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Email

Wind slabs at upper elevations may remain sensitive to human triggering, especially in steep unsupported features. We're really hurting for observations right now, if you've been out please help us by submitting to the Mountain Information Network. Thanks!

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The forecast period looks pretty sunny, but no snow expected anytime soon.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level at valley bottom, no precipitation expected. 

MONDAY: Clear skies at dawn with increasing cloud cover building in after lunch, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level rising to about 1200 m, no significant precipitation expected. 

TUESDAY: A few clouds, freezing level around valley bottom, light northwest wind, no precipitation expected. 

WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, freezing level around valley bottom with potential for an inversion that brings above freezing temperatures to the alpine. Light variable wind, no precipitation expected. 

Avalanche Summary

We have a real dearth of observations right now and no recent activity to report.

The most likely problem is wind slabs in steep wind exposed terrain at upper elevations. 

Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network if you've been out and about recently.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs have formed in open terrain as last weeks 10 to 15 cm of snow is redistributed and formed into more cohesive slabs. 

Snowpack depths are variable with reports of 50 to 100 cm in terrain that hasn't been scoured by the wind. There are some reports of a hard crust buried about 30 cm below the surface, which could be a bed surface for wind slab avalanches. There is most likely a crust at the bottom of the snowpack, and there have been a few reports suggesting weak snow may be forming around these crusts. This layer could become a bigger concern when it gets buried deeper.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be especially cautious near rock outcroppings, on steep convexities and anywhere the snowpack feels thinner than average.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Watch for freshly formed wind slabs in the alpine, and "alpine like" features at treeline. These slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2020 4:00PM