Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2014 8:06AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

We are interested in what you are seeing out there. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca. Thanks!

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We expect changeable stormy conditions until about Tuesday/Wednesday.Sunday night / Monday: 10-40 mm precipitation with warming temperatures. Strong to gale south-west winds. Freezing level around 1100 m.Tuesday: Light precipitation. Freezing level near 800 m. W winds easing.Wednesday: Clearing and cooling. Light NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

Explosives triggered size 2 slabs in the northern part of the region on step north-facing slopes at around 1500 m on Friday. We have had no reports from popular recreational spots in the region. Let us know what you are seeing at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

As we begin our forecasting season, we are working with limited information from the field. Early reports suggest there's enough snow for avalanches at alpine and some treeline elevations. Recent snow is likely to have been redistributed into slabs on lee slopes at alpine elevations. This snow may overlie a weak old snow surface (surface hoar, facets and/or a crust) which developed during November's dry spell. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach as new snow builds deeper above this layer.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow weaknesses are likely to develop as winds and temperatures fluctuate.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2014 2:00PM