Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Chris Gooliaff,
Wind slabs have been reported to fail under the weight of skiers/riders in convex, unsupported terrain in the Alpine.
Travel in the thick forest continues to be harsh, with dust on a firm crust hiding near-surface rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A benign Wed followed by a significant storm with rising temps on Thurs/Fri
Tonight: Mainly cloudy, Alpine low -14*C, light W ridge-top winds
Wed: Flurries, 5cm, Alpine high -9*C, mod SW ridge-top winds
Thurs: Snow, 25cm, Alpine high -4*C, strong SW winds
Fri: Snow, 15-20cm, Alpine high -3*C, mod SW winds
Snowpack Summary
40-45cm of snow has fallen over the last few days and has been redistributed by 25-40km/hr Southerly winds. At tree line the new snow covers the widespread November 15th crust. Mid-slope wind slabs have been reported in lee features in both the Connaught and Asulkan. Below ~1700m a breakable crust and refrozen snow/ice chunks make for poor travel.
Avalanche Summary
Several skier triggered avalanches, all wind slabs, were reported from Monday afternoon; one from the Pterodactyl, one from Nikki's Notch, and one from steep E-facing alpine terrain between Grizzly Mtn and Little Sifton. These were all mid-slope avalanches, down considerably from ridge-top.
No notable avalanches were observed in the highway corridor
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate S'ly winds have distributed loose surface snow and formed wind slab in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas. A fresh 5cm dusting on top makes it hard to identify these slabs. Of note are the recent skier triggering of mid-slope avalanches.
- Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
- Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 24th, 2021 4:00PM
