Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2011 8:49AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variation in conditions and danger levels are likely to exist. To produce more accurate forecasts, we need information. Please send an email to forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday should continue to be cooler and drier in the morning. The next wave of precipitation should move on to the coast around mid-day Sunday and begin to affect the interior ranges Sunday night and into Monday. Heavy precipitation combined with strong southwest winds should dominate Tuesday. Freezing levels may rise to 1500 metres on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

We have a few reports of glide crack releases at lower elevations near Terrace, and a recent size 2.0 slab release near Shames in the backcountry. Wind slabs are expected to remain sensitive to human triggers throughout the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depth in most sheltered treeline areas is around 100cm to150cm. Extensive wind-transport has created highly variable snowpack depths in exposed areas at all elevations with weak wind slabs 50 to100cm thick. The mid and lower snowpack seems to be well settled and strong with an old rain crust near the ground.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Near ridge crests and terrain breaks, and in cross-loaded gullies. The wind has changed direction several times in the last few days creating wind-slabs on several different aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2011 8:00AM