Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2011 8:59AM

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

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure builds over the province bringing a mix of sun and cloud to inland sections of the Northwest on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Winds should ease to light-moderate from the NW and the freezing level should remain at or near valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations. Wind slabs and storm snow instabilities will remain susceptible to human triggering for at least the next couple days.

Snowpack Summary

New hard and soft wind slabs are likely well into treeline due to very strong W-SW winds on Thursday. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Very strong SW winds and forecast NW winds may create hard and soft wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain well into treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Storm snow instabilities may be susceptible to human triggering, especially in areas that received more snow on Thursday.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2011 8:00AM