Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 30th, 2013–Dec 1st, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Avalanche danger is increasing with the added load of new storm snow. The cooling trend with this storm is expected to bring enough snow to below treeline elevations to produce avalanches.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy precipitation overnight as the arctic front collides with Pacific moisture. Expect strong westerly winds ahead of the arctic air, and moderate northerly winds after the passage of the cold front.Monday: Precipitation should end during the day. Expect clearing skies and cold valley temperatures.Tuesday: Clear and cold with moderate Northeast winds.

Avalanche Summary

We have received no new reports of avalanche activity, but observations have been limited. Avalanche activity is expected to increase throughout the weekend with forecast snow and wind. If you have been out in the mountains and observed recent avalanche activity, please report it to [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

Snow depth is typically 80-110cm at treeline with 60 to 70cm of well settled snow sitting on the October crust located just above the ground. Little is known about the bond to this crust; however, limited reports suggest that it is currently well bonded. The snow surface on sun exposed alpine slopes, and all slopes below treeline, has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Large surface hoar has also formed on all aspects. Although it has been melting on south aspects during the day, it has likely been regrowing overnight. If you are traveling in the mountains, now is a good time to make note of these surface conditions which may become persistent weak layers once buried by a sufficiently cohesive slab.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The forecast new snow and wind is expected to develop storm slabs. These storm slabs may not bond well to buried weak layers.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Areas that have a deeply buried early season crust may become reactive due to the increased load from the storm snow.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 5