Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 21st, 2015–Nov 22nd, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Despite the good weather and good ski conditions maintain vigilance when entering avalanche terrain.

Weather Forecast

High pressure will prevail bringing mainly clear skies and cool temperatures over the weekend. A storm with moderate snowfall amounts is forecast on Monday and Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent observations suggest that the ~1m of storm snow is settling and bonding. S-SW winds at treeline and above continue to load lee features, forming deep loaded pockets. Surface hoar layers down ~1m and 1.5m are still a concern but becoming more stubborn and hard to find. On high elevation N/NE aspects, there is a weak facetted base.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds since the storm have subsided, but pockets of windslab exist on lee features in the alpine and treeline.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

On northerly alpine slopes, snow from early Sept was preserved and facetted forming a basal weakness. During the storm this week avalanches occurred on this layer. This layer was also responsible for a skier triggered size 3.5 avalanche 2 weeks ago.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4