Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 27th, 2019–Nov 28th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

Clear and cold for the next few days. Snowpack depth is highly variable where there is enough snow to recreate.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY Night: Mostly cloudy with clear periods, light east wind, alpine temperature -18 C.

THURSDAY: Clear skies, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -16 C.

FRIDAY: Clear skies, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -14 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light east wind, alpine temperature -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

There have been reports of a skier and explosives triggering avalanches on north facing alpine terrain in the past few days.

If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing that information with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 30 cm of recent snow may overly a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The distribution of the surface hoar is currently not well understood. The recent snow has been blown around by moderate to strong northeast wind.

Snowpack depth is highly variable, ranging from 10 cm to 100 cm. Expect to find weak and faceted snow in the thin areas. Elsewhere, you may find a melt-freeze crust from late October above faceted snow near the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may form on all aspects due to wind that started from the west and switched to the east. These slabs could be particularly touchy where they overly a weak layer of surface hoar that formed last week.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A melt-freeze crust and sugary faceted grains exist in the lower snowpack. There is uncertainty with how reactive this layer may be (as described here). With this uncertainty, it is best to recreate conservatively, be on high alert, and conduct your own assessments throughout the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5