Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Nov 27 – 28, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

This bulletin was produced with limited field observations. Significant variability may exist in snow distribution. Please feel free to send your observations to [email protected].

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–5
    Limited observations suggest a persistent weak layer of surface hoar (50-90cm depth) and a deeper crust in the snowpack may have become difficult to trigger. However, persistent slabs if triggered, have the potential to produce large avalanches.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Thursday: The ridge of high pressure will drift eastward and a weak cold front will push across the northern and central interior. Chance of very light precipitation over the forecast region. Winds becoming moderate from the west by the afternoon. A slight inversion could push freezing levels to 1500m and then falling to 500m by the evening. Increasing cloudy conditions throughout the day.Friday: The ridge of high pressure weakens further allowing a frontal system to push across the interior of the province. Chance of light precipitation. The winds are forecasted to be moderate from the west and the freezing level rising to 900m. Cloudy conditions increasing throughout the day.Outlook for Saturday: A strong westerly flow brings light amounts of precipitation and light to moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels hover around 900m and then fall Saturday night. Cloudy conditions.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of recent avalanche activity have been received. This may speak more to the lack of reported observations rather than actual conditions. If you have information please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

The region has seen dry conditions with no new snow for over a week.  A healthy surface hoar layer has been observed on all aspects but particularly sheltered, shaded slopes.  On South facing slopes, a sun crust has developed. The old storm snow and wind slabs have likely settled out and stabilized with the recent warm temperatures in the alpine.  Average snow depths vary dramatically, but reports suggests the depth of snow ranges from 110 to 150cm at treeline.The upper snowpack is generally unconsolidated, particulary on slopes that do not receive direct sunlight.  The mid snowpack is gradually gaining strength.  Within the mid pack is a layer of surface hoar buried in mid-November, ranging from 50-90cms in depth.  Deeper, an October rain crust near the base of the snowpack exists.  Limited reports suggest these layers are becoming difficult to trigger.  However, if triggered, persistent slabs have the potential to cause surprisingly large, destructive avalanches.

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