Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2014 8:13AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Stormy conditions over the next few days. Avalanche conditions may change quickly at alpine elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of fronts is coming in quick succession over the next few days.Saturday night/Sunday: 5-25 mm precipitation. Gusty south-west winds. Freezing level around 1000 m.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.

Avalanche Summary

Explosives triggered size 2 slabs in the northern part of the region on step north-facing slopes at around 1500 m yesterday. 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

Welcome to winter! 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 the recent 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

Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2014 2:00PM