Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada dboucher, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche danger will be on the rise for the weekend as a result of a series of storms impacting the region with heavy rain and high freezing levels.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Friday night: Mainly cloudy with isolated wet flurries. Light south winds gusting to 45-50 km/h. Treeline low temperatures around zero with freezing levels going down to 1100 metres.

Saturday: Cloudy with snowfall quickly switching to heavy rain; 20-30 mm during the day with another 50-70 mm overnight. Moderate southwest winds increasing to strong overnight. Treeline high temperatures around +4 C with freezing levels rising to 2900 metres.

Sunday: Rain, heavy at times; 30-40 mm. Strong southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around +3 C over the day with freezing levels going down to 2000 metres.

Monday: Periods of rain; 15-20 mm. Light northwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around +3 C over the day with freezing levels at 1900 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the region. With treeline and below treeline elevations still below threshold depths, avalanche potential is expected to be limited to the highest alpine areas in the region. 

Reports in the region remain limited. Be sure to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

A series of incoming storm systems will bring plenty of precipitation. However, due to high freezing levels, most of the precipitation will likely fall as rain. Next storm starting Saturday will bring rain up to 100-140 mm at high alpine elevations. As a result, expect to see moist or wet snow surface conditions right to mountain tops.

Average alpine snow depths in advance of the storm were around 100-120 cm. Much of treeline and all below treeline elevations remain below threshold depths for avalanches.

Early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and creeks are a concern below the alpine.

Terrain and Travel

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Heavy rain will likely weaken surface snow. As a result, expect wet loose avalanches to run on steep terrain. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2021 4:00PM