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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 24th, 2013–Nov 25th, 2013

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Northwest Coastal.

This forecast is based on limited observations. If you are out in the field, please feel free to send your observations to [email protected].

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: A break between systems could bring clearing conditions for portions of the region and strong southerly winds. Freezing levels rising to 2300m near the coast with a possible inversion.Tuesday: Another frontal system moves into the region bringing light to moderate precipitation (possibly heavy for coastal areas and Stewart). Winds will be moderate to strong southwest and freezing levels rising to 1500m.Outlook for Wednesday: Moderate precipitation for most of the region (possibly heavy for coastal areas and Stewart). Winds moderate to strong from the west and freezing levels hovering around 800m.

Avalanche Summary

One recent size 3 and one size 2.5 natural slab avalanche was observed in the alpine in the Shames backcountry. Several size 1 natural avalanches were also observed on numerous aspects at treeline and below treeline. These avalanches most likely ran within the recent new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Early season information coming from this region has been limited and significant spatial variability in snow depths likely exists across the region. Observations from the field suggest snow depths of approximately 130cm at treeline and 100cm at valley bottom in the Shames backcountry area.A recent storm has deposited roughly 30cm of new snow at treeline elevations. Associated strong winds and warm temperatures may have created slab conditions in the upper snowpack. Reports from the field suggest this new snow has been reactive to the weight of a rider. Limited observations also suggest the mid to lower snowpack is consolidated but keep in mind the snowpack is young and weaknesses (crusts, surface hoar or facets) may exist.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.