Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2018 5:40PM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Avalanche danger has decreased, but cornices and wind slabs likely remain problematic in the alpine, especially in extreme terrain. We have no recent observations from this region, please let us know what you're seeing on the MIN!

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We are slowly transitioning towards a period of pronounced high pressure.Â The forecast period is marked by cooler temps, very little precipitation and the potential for less cloud cover by the weekend.Â THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 700 m, light southwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.FRIDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1000 m, light west wind, a trace of snow possible. SATURDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 750 m, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected.SUNDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 700 m, light northerly wind, no significant precipitation expected.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches reported. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

Before the most recent storm, snow depths were around 50 to 90 cm at treeline and alpine elevations. Monday and Tuesday's intense precipitation event probably rain-soaked the existing snowpack up to about 1900 m. Temperatures remained cool on Tuesday above 1900 m, when 15 to 20 cm of snow fell. Moderate to strong south/southwest wind on Monday and Tuesday likely formed storm slabs, cornices, and wind damaged snow in high elevation alpine terrain.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices have likely formed on alpine ridgelines. Cornices are typically most prone to failure during times of transition. Now is one of those times as the snowpack adjusts to the most recent storm and we enter a colder period.

Stay well back from cornices when traveling on ridgelines.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Be wary of traveling on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

If there's any good riding/travel to be had, it's going to be in the alpine. This is also where you're most likely to find storm and wind slabs slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The deepest slabs will be found immediately lee of ridge-crest.Be cautious around mid-slope terrain features like ridges and ribs where slabs may be deeper.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2018 2:00PM