Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2016 3:35PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Welcome to winter! It's that time of year when winter is slowly winding up and observations are limited. Due to limited data it is CRITICAL to supplement this information with your own observations. Please post your observations to the MIN.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate southerly winds, freezing levels around 1300m. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with flurries, light southerly winds, freezing levels around 1300m. Thursday: Mostly cloudy with possible flurries, light to moderate southerly winds, freezing levels around 1400m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 150-200cm in the alpine, 100-170cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline with many early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. Up to 70cm of recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive storm slab sitting on a hard crust. This crust is the primary layer of concern and may become increasingly reactive as the slab above stiffens. Southwesterly winds have also formed fresh windslabs on lee features below ridetops. Below the crust is moist snow to the ground that is beginning to dry out on northerly aspects in the alpine. Although conditions have been reported as being quite good, remember that an early season snowpack is an inherently weak snowpack and requires thorough investigation before stepping out into bigger terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Southwesterly winds have created fresh wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops in the alpine.

Avoid steep or convex lee features directly below ridgetops.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff or 'slabby'.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow is beginning to settle into a cohesive slab that is sitting on a hard crust. Shallow, rocky areas in the alpine are likely trigger spots.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2016 2:00PM