Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2015 8:05AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

It's early in the season but there is more than enough snow for avalanches. New wind slabs are expected to have formed at higher elevations. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The cold Arctic air will be the dominant feature for the next couple days. On Wednesday, expect dry and sunny conditions with freezing levels below valley bottom. In the morning, alpine winds are expected to be strong from NE but should ease during the day. On Thursday and Friday, dry and sunny conditions continue with light NE winds. On Friday, models are suggesting that a layer of warm air aloft will reach the region and a strong temperature inversion is possible.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. If you are out in the mountains, please send us your observations.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations have been very limited as the season commences. Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow above around 1700m for avalanches to occur. Around 10cm of new snow sits on a thick rain crust which exists to at least treeline elevation. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, new winds slabs are expected to have formed and may linger for a few days. The stiff underlying crust may increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs are expected to have formed during the storm. Winds shifted from SW to NE so expect wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2015 2:00PM