Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2012 9:24AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variations in conditions are likely to exist. Check out the Forecasters Blog for further details on interpreting early season bulletins.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A Pacific frontal system is moving through the interior regions Friday and extending into Saturday. This will bring strong ridgetop winds, and moderate amounts of snow, especially in upslope areas. After the front passes, a weak ridge of high pressure will push into the region bringing dryer, cooler, and clearing conditions that will last through the weekend. Freezing levels will stay in the valley bottom through the period.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. If you and your friends have been out exploring and riding in the backcountry, and have some observations to share please send an email to forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

New storm snow will bury previously formed wind slabs, and continue to build storm slabs. An early November crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack, however there is no information leading me to think that it could act as a weak layer. Be aware of instability signs such as whumphing, which is a good indicator of a weak layer buried beneath and an unstable snowpack.Â Snowpack depths on average are near 80 cm @1700 m, and near 100 cm at higher elevations. Below treeline may still be below threshold. Snowpack and conditions vary across the region, its important to be aware of YOUR local conditions.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall has continued to build storm slabs. They are likely touchy to rider triggers and may require a few days to settle out and start bonding to the upper snowpack.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Winds slabs have formed on the lee side of slopes and ridges, and could stay touchy throughout the weekend.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2012 2:00PM