Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2015 8:23AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Warming forecast for the next few days will increase the Avalanche Danger, especially at higher elevations. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the MIN

Summary

Weather Forecast

The dry ridge of high pressure will continue to bring clear skies and valley fog to the region until at least Monday. Above 1800m, temperatures could reach 4.0' celsius while below-freezing temperatures will persist in the valleys. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. With warming forecast for the next few days, I would expect loose wet avalanche activity on steep, sun-exposed slopes. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations have been very limited as the season commences. Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow above around 1700m for avalanches to occur. Around 10cm of settled storm snow sits on a thick rain crust which exists to at least treeline elevation. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, stubborn winds slabs are reported to exist. In places where these wind slabs interface with the underlying crust, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in steep terrain. Depending on the time of day, surfaces on steep south-facing slopes at upper elevations may be either wet or re-frozen.

Problems

Loose Wet

Unseasonably warm temperatures and sun will increase the chances of loose wet avalanche activity on steep, sun-exposed slopes in the alpine and at treeline.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: North.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Continued warm temperatures should help decrease the reactivity of recently formed wind slabs. Watch for triggering in steep, unsupported terrain, especially in spots where a hard underlying crust exists.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2015 2:00PM