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Avalanche Forecast

Nov 22nd, 2014–Nov 23rd, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: South Columbia.

Recent snowfall is hiding early season hazards - extra caution is advised. If you are out in the mountains please send us your observations! (forecaster@avalanche.ca).

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Overview: There is a brief lull in the weather this weekend before a series of strong frontal systems cross the province early next week. The first system should arrive on Monday bringing moderate amounts of precipitation (15-25 mm), heaviest in the North Columbia regions. Freezing levels will likely be between 1000 and 1500m and ridge winds could be strong from the southwest. The next even stronger system arrives shortly after but appears to be taking a more southerly route. Recent model runs are showing this system south of the border. If this is the case we will probably only see light to moderate accumulations and not much change in freezing levels.

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 winter is slowing winding up and observations are limited. Recent reports suggest that the total snowpack in the alpine is 60-100 cm, and maybe deeper in some areas. Pockets of wind slab are likely on exposed leeward slopes at upper elevations. Around 20cm of new snow could be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar or a crust. Another weak layer (crust, surface hoar, facets) may be lurking down 30-50cm deep. The bond at both of these interfaces could be poor and deserves further investigation. A solid crust that formed early November can be found 30-40cm above the ground 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.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow may not bond well to the previous snow surface. Expect to find pockets of wind slab on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.>If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4