Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 27th, 2018–Nov 28th, 2018

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

Ice climbs in Field are in good shape, but the valley bottoms are still a little thin for skiing: ~30 cm of snowpack at Emerald Lake and ~ 20 cm in Field.

Weather Forecast

A warm wet storm is hitting the coast, but we won't get much in the Rockies. We should see another 5-10 cm with mild temperatures by the end of day Thursday with moderate SW winds. Colder air is coming on Friday as temperatures drop to -15 to -20 and winds switch to the NW.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and 5-10 cms of new snow has created windslabs in the alpine. These sit on sun crust on steep south and surface hoar on sheltered N aspects. The Oct 26 crust is found ~10-30 cm above the ground with large facets growing both above and below it. The snowpack averages 40-85 cm at 2200m across the region and is weakening as it facets

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine Village ski patrol was reporting thin soft windslabs in immediate lees on Tuesday. These were touchy, but small and low consequence at this time. No other avalanches observed or reported, but visibility was limited.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Occasional reports continue of skier remote and explosive triggered slabs on the October 26 crust and facet layer. Avoid steep terrain where a stiffer, more cohesive slab exists over these weak, faceted crystals near the base of the snowpack.

Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

A little bit of new snow and moderate SW winds have created thin windslabs in immediate lees. These are small, but could be consequential in steep or exposed terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5