Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2015 8:34AM

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. New snowfall on Tuesday may create new avalanche problems. 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

A weak storm system reaches the region late Monday. 10-15cm of snowfall is expected by the end of the day with freezing levels around valley bottom. Alpine winds are expected to be moderate to strong and will shift from SW to NE by the end of the storm. An Arctic high pressure system will replace the storm on Wednesday. Sunny and dry conditions are expected with freezing levels below valley bottom and moderate to strong NE winds in the alpine. Thursday should be much the same with dry, cold, and sunny conditions but alpine winds should be light.

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. A thick surface crust exists to at least treeline elevation. The snowfall on Monday night coupled with strong winds is expected to form new winds slabs in exposed terrain in the alpine and potentially at treeline. The underlying crust may increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs are expected to form during the storm. Winds will shift from SW to NE so expect wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

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