Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 29th, 2013–Nov 30th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

This bulletin was created using very limited field data. Substantial variation in snowpack structure is likely to exist across the region. If you are out in the mountains, please send your observations to [email protected].

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10cm of fresh snow. Light southwesterly winds and freezing levels remaining in valley bottoms. Sunday: Another 10-20cm of snow is expected throughout the day with associated moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing levels remaining in valley bottoms. Monday: Continued moderate to heavy snowfall with up to 40cm throughout the day. Cooling temperatures under moderate northeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

We have received no new reports of avalanche activity, but observations have been limited. Avalanche activity is expected to increase throughout the weekend with forecast snow and wind. If you've been out in the mountains and observed recent avalanche activity, please report it to [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

Snow depth is typically 80-110cm at treeline with 60 to 70cm of well settled snow sitting on the October crust located just above the ground. Little is known about the bond to this crust; however, limited reports suggest that it is currently well bonded. The snow surface on sun exposed alpine slopes, and all slopes below treeline, has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Large surface hoar has also formed on all aspects. Although it has been melting on south aspects during the day, it has likely been regrowing overnight. If you are traveling in the mountains, now is a good time to make note of these surface conditions which may become persistent weak layers once buried by a sufficiently cohesive slab.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh touchy wind slabs are expected to form throughout the weekend below ridgecrests and behind terrain features in exposed areas.

Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run. >Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2