Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Columbia.
A series of storms will mean a conservative start to the season. Use extra caution as temperatures rise, winds increase and new snow falls.
Confidence
High - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
Weather Forecast
Thursday night: 15 to 20cm of new snow overnight with the largest amounts in the Monashees. strong southwest winds in the alpine. Freezing levels will rise to 1400m.
Friday: up to 15cm in the morning. Freezing levels will fall in the afternoon to 800m, Alpine winds will shift to moderate from the west.
Saturday: the freezing level will once again rise to 1400m as another storm moves over the north columbias. 20 to 30cm expected with strong southwest alpine winds.
Sunday: freezing level of 1500m and 20 to 30 cm of new snow expected in the morning. Strong southwest alpine winds.
Avalanche Summary
Several size 1.5 to 2 wind slabs have been observed in the alpine and treeline over the last few days. Expect an increase in avalanche activity with new snow Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs can still be found in exposed alpine and treeline features. 30 to 70cm overlies a mid November rain crust which exists below 2000m.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will form on all aspects. The hazard will be greater on exposed treeline and alpine features where wind loading is a factor.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3