Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2013 8:14AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Please note this bulletin is based on very limited information. If you have been out and have observations, please send them to forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The current pattern remains in place through Tuesday. On Wednesday a weak frontal system should clear out the inversion. No significant change in the weather for the forecast period.Monday: Freezing Level: Near 0 C at Valley Bottom, above freezing layer from 1500 2500m. Precip: No significant precip expected. Wind: Light, Variable.Tuesday: Freezing Level: Near 0 C at Valley Bottom, above freezing layer from 1500 2500m. Precip: No significant precip expected. Wind: Light SWWednesday: Freezing Level: 1200m Precip: No significant precip expected. Wind: Light, SW.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity was reported in pockets of deeper snow from Monday (18th) and Tuesday (19th) in both western and eastern areas of the region. Activity appears to have tapered off.

Snowpack Summary

Observations from this region are extremely limited at the moment.Winds have wreaked havoc on much of the region leaving behind old tired windslabs and plenty of wind damaged snow.Â Treeline snowpack depths in sheltered areas vary between approximately 40-80 cm. In the alpine, coverage is highly variable due to recent high winds. A crust or significant density change may exist around 40 cm below the surface. This has been reported to have weak faceted crystals above and below, and produces sudden "pop" results in compression tests. Below this near the base of the snowpack, an earlier crust buried in October lies close to the ground. This layer may still be of concern on isolated smooth terrain features that have not seen avalanche activity.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem is likely a thing of the past, but be aware that it may still be a concern on steep slopes in the alpine that did not slide previously.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging down and testing on adjacent, safe slopes before committing to a line.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2013 2:00PM