Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2015 8:41AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

This bulletin is based on limited observations. Conditions vary greatly across the region so take the time to gather information about the snowpack as you travel. We always appreciate any observations from your day submitted to the MIN.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Total snowfall from this storm should range between 2 and 15cm with the northern portion of the forecast region receiving the most snowfall. Moderate to strong SW winds are expected to continue through Monday evening. Very cold air descending from the Arctic will lead to clearing skies and cold temperatures for the next few days. For detailed mountain weather information visit avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

We're working with very limited observations at the moment and we have not received any reports of recent avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Monday's storm snow has fallen on a variety of old surfaces including crust, surface hoar and old settled snow. In the southern portion of the region MIN reports suggest that a surface crust can be found up to 2200m. The current state of the snowpack is a bit complex, in the upper 100cm you're likely to find one or more surface hoar layers and maybe a crust or two. Facets may exist just above the ground on shaded slopes in the alpine.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind have likely combined to form fresh wind slabs in wind exposed terrain at and above treeline. These wind slabs could be quite reactive, especially near ridge crest.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Several persistent weak layers have been reported from across the region including surface hoar, crusts and facets which creates the potential for large avalanches.

Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are lurking on or just under the surface>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Now is a good time to dig a snow profile (or two) and figure out how the snowpack changes with aspect and elevation.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2015 2:00PM