Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2018 4:50PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

This time of year observations are limited, so make sure to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you've been out please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network MIN.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries/ Alpine temperature 0 / Light to moderate southwest wind / Freezing level 1500 mTUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine temperature -1 / Light to moderate southwest wind / Freezing level 1400 mWEDNESDAY: mainly cloudy / Alpine temperature -2 / Light west wind / freezing level 1200 m

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Friday show a natural avalanche cycle during the Friday overnight period as well as explosives control in the Fernie area producing numerous storm slab releases reaching up to size 2. There have been no new reports of avalanche activity since then.

Snowpack Summary

New snow at the end of last week buried a recently formed layer of weak, feathery surface hoar. South and southwest winds have since redistributed the new snow. A mixed layer of melt-freeze crusts and sugary facets sits near the base of the snowpack. The snowpack is deepest in the alpine and at tree line, where you might now expect to find total depths of around 70 cm. These depths taper rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with wind leading into the weekend has produced wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability, such as whumphing, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2018 2:00PM