Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2014 8:03AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Storm slabs are building at alpine elevations. We have limited observations from the field. Send us yours at forecaster@avalanche.ca!

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of fronts is coming in quick succession over the next few days. The forecast timing and intensity of these fronts is likely to change.Saturday: Precipitation will ease for a time in the morning. Cooling temperatures. Moderate west to north-west mountain top winds. Freezing level lowering to around 900 m.Saturday night/Sunday: 15-25 mm precipitation. Gusty south-west winds. Freezing level around 1000 m.Monday: Around 20 mm precipitation with warming temperatures. Strong to gale south-west winds. Freezing level around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the last week, but some natural activity would not be a surprise during this stormy period. Let us know what you're seeing out there!

Snowpack Summary

Welcome to winter! We begin our forecasting season with limited information from the field. Early reports suggest there's enough snow for avalanches at alpine and some treeline elevations. Recent snow is likely to have been redistributed into slabs on lee slopes at alpine elevations. This snow may overlie a weak old snow surface (surface hoar, facets and/or a crust) which developed during the recent long dry spell. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach as new snow builds deeper above this layer.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow is building up over a potentially weak old surface interface. Changing winds may create storm slabs on a variety of slopes.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2014 2:00PM