Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2018 3:52PM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

We're working from very few observations. While dirt has reappeared at lower elevations, it is very much winter in the alpine where cornices and wind slabs may remain problematic this weekend. Please let us know what you're seeing on the MIN!

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We are transitioning into a period of pronounced high pressure. The forecast period is marked by cooler temps, the potential for sunny periods and no significant precipitation, even in the extended forecast.FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 600 m, light southerly wind, a trace of snow possible. SATURDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 800 m, light easterly wind, no significant precipitation expected.SUNDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 600 m, light easterly wind, no significant precipitation expected.MONDAY: A few clouds, freezing level around 500 m, light east wind, no significant precipitation expected.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

Monday and Tuesday's storm produced significant precipitation that mostly fell as rain. Winds were extreme out of the south/southwest. Cornices and wind slabs are likely widespread now.A MIN from Friday suggests that it's skiable from 1600 m on up. Between 1600 and 2000 m there is 5 to 10 cm of low density snow over a 5 cm breakable crust. Above 2000m is reportedly skiing well. Alpine depths are approaching 175 cm. Near the ground there is a crust/facet interface, little is known about the reactivity of this layer. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices have likely formed on alpine ridgelines. Cornices are typically most prone to failure during times of transition. Now is one of those times as we enter a colder period.

Be wary of traveling on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Stay well back from cornices when traveling on ridgelines.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

If there's any good riding/travel to be had, it's going to be in the alpine. This is also where you're most likely to find wind slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering.

Be cautious around mid-slope terrain features like ridges and ribs where slabs may be deeper.The deepest slabs will be found immediately lee of ridge-crest.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2018 2:00PM