Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 13th, 2015 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
snow safety,
Avalanche Canada
Storm slabs are rapidly loading and failing with the new snow, increased winds, and warm temperatures.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Strong to extreme SW winds are expected to last into Saturday morning and up to 10cm overnight and throughout the day. Winds should diminish by the afternoon Saturday with freezing levels to 1700m. Another weaker system will bring some light snow amounts Saturday night into Sunday . Monday will see lowered freezing levels and clearer weather.
Snowpack Summary
30-35cm at treeline over the last 24 hours and an average 65-80cm snowpack at treeline. Warm temperatures have caused quick settlement of the storm snow. There is a layer of surface hoar and suncrust that exists in many areas which is acting as a sliding surface for the new snow.
Avalanche Summary
Ski hills East of the divide were reporting conditions becoming "very touchy" Friday afternoon. Slides to size 2 (40cm deep, 50m wide) were being triggered on a mixture of sun crust, surface hoar, and the ground. Limited backcountry observations today due to visibility, but an avalanche cycle is surely occurring up high in the Little Yoho area!
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will be warm, heavy and wind driven: perfect for slab development. New slabs will likely bond poorly to the weak dry snowpack that currently exists in most areas and the crusts and surface hoar we are hearing about will not help either.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The new snow will fail naturally off of very steep features and will be susceptible to human triggering in steep areas. Avoid confined features where these events can become focused, and manage your group carefully to avoid getting caught.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
- The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 14th, 2015 4:00PM
