Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2014 9:02AM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Its looking more like winter! However, early season conditions and hazards exist out there. If you have been adventuring in the backcountry, we want your observations! Please send them our way to forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Finally, the weather pattern has changed!A Pacific frontal system moves through the Region bringing unsettled conditions with snow amounts up to 10 cm at higher elevations. By Saturday midday we could see and accumulated 10-20 cm. Mountain top winds will initially be strong from the south, switching to the northwest by Saturday afternoon. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottoms. Late Sunday another stormy system will reach the Interior bringing additional snowfall amounts.

Avalanche Summary

Currently there are no recent avalanche reports, however; there is enough snow at higher elevations (treeline and alpine) where certain avalanche problems may exist.

Snowpack Summary

Welcome to winter! It's that time of year where observations are limited and winter has been slow to start. The snowpack is thin and variable, early season conditions and hazards exist. Recent reports suggest that the total snowpack in the alpine is 60-80 cm. Pockets of wind slab may exist on leeward slopes at upper elevations. New snow has fallen on a series of weak surface crystals (crusts, surface hoar, facets). This new snow may have a poor bond to the previous surfaces. A solid crust that formed early November is buried below the surface around 20-30 cm down in many places at treeline and above. The new snow will hide early season hazards like crevasses, rocks, and stumps and gaining access to upper elevations is extremely challenging.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab may be found on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Cracking and whumfing may indicate unstable snow.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading may have created wind slabs.>Early season hazards such as crevasses, rocks, trees and stumps are hidden under the new snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2014 2:00PM