Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Nov 24 – 25, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

This forecast is based off a pretty meager set of observations. If you're out, please let us know what you're seeing via the Mountain Information Network. MIN

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Winds out of the north are likely driving wind slab formation on southerly features. These slabs are probably most problematic immediately lee of ridge crest, but you may encounter them in the right feature at treeline too.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    4–6
    While many of our November wear layers are becoming less reactive, it's important to remember that there may be a weak layer of crust and facets near the ground. This is probably only a concern on north through east facing alpine features.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Arctic air slides down from the north resulting in clear skies and cooler than average temperatures for the forecast period. Strong N/NE winds at ridgetop are expected to continue through Wednesday afternoon, and then back off to light northerly for Thursday and Friday. We may see above freezing temperatures in the alpine beginning Friday evening, time will tell what the extent of this will be. No significant precipitation/snowfall expected for the forecast period. For a more detailed mountain weather forecast visit avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

We're working with very limited observations at the moment and we have not received any reports of recent avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Monday's storm snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including crust, surface hoar and old settled snow. Arctic air moving into the region has resulted in northerly winds which have formed small wind slabs on south facing features near ridge top. Warm temps and strong solar input formed a crust on south facing features which can be found underneath Monday's storm snow. There are at least three surface hoar layers in the snowpack buried on: Nov. 5th, Nov. 11th and Nov. 23rd. The first two have been largely unreactive. Facets may exist just above the ground on shaded slopes in the alpine.

Regions covered