Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 25th, 2015 8:08AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

It's early in the season but there is more than enough snow for avalanches. Wind slabs are expected to have formed at higher elevations. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The cold and dry Arctic air persists on Thursday. Freezing levels should stay well below valley bottom and alpine winds should be light from NE. On Friday afternoon, a layer of warm air aloft should reach the region. Above freezing temperatures should develop around 2000m while the valleys remain cold. Valley fog may develop on Friday and should definitely be established by Saturday. Dry, sunny, and warm conditions are expected to persist at higher elevations at least through the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. If you are out in the mountains, please send us your observations.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations have been very limited as the season commences. Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow above around 1700m for avalanches to occur. Around 10cm of new snow sits on a thick rain crust which exists to at least treeline elevation. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, new winds slabs are expected to have formed and may linger for a few days until temperatures warm up. The stiff underlying crust may increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft wind slabs are likely to exist in leeward features in exposed alpine terrain. These may persist for a few days until temperatures get warmer

If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 26th, 2015 2:00PM