Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 25th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
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Avalanche Canada
Welcome, it's our first day of forecasting! With Friday's snowfall and another round of weather arriving late Saturday the riding quality will improve right along with rising avalanche hazard. The best riding will also be where the avalanche hazard is highest so my suggestion is to keep slope angles moderate and sheltered from the wind.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported; but very few eyes are reporting from the field. Incoming storms will make avalanches more likely.
Snowpack Summary
Over the work week the east side of the Purcells received 5 to 15 cm of snow. By Monday when the unsettled weather ends, another 15 to 30 cm is expected to accumulate.
Below the recent snow are old cold layers including large surface hoar (10-30 mm), facets (sugary, weak) and even a sun crust on steep solar aspects.
In the alpine, snowpack depths range from 70-110 cm. At treeline, 40-80 cm. Below treeline averages 10-40 cm.
A variable and thin early-season snowpack with many early season hazards, like rocks and stumps.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
By Saturday morning I'm expecting storm totals of around 10 cm of new snow carried in on moderate southwest winds and warm (single digit below zero) temperatures. Snow holes may receive 15 or 20 cm from the storm.
Saturday
A quiet day between storms: lots of clouds, little if any snow, light wind from the NW, and cooler temperatures with treeline hitting around -7. Next storm arriving overnight.
Sunday
This storm should pack more punch than Friday's. Coming in from the NW with colder temperatures, stronger winds, and more snow (10 to 20 cm).
Monday
Increasingly clear, dry and colder as arctic air start to spill into the area.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow.
- Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Thine early season snow depths mean you'll be searching for deeper areas to ride; that'll take you to where storm slabs are most likely. Selecting moderate (less steep) slopes will help manage both early season hazards (like knee and A-arm wrecking rocks) and avalanche hazards. Less windy areas will be the sweet spot for both best riding quality and avoiding avalanche issues.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 26th, 2022 4:00PM
