Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Nov 28, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Storm slabs were very reactive over the weekend. Give the snow time to gain strength before stepping into steeper terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Storm slabs may remain touchy even though the storms have passed, especially at higher elevations and on wind-loaded features.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -8. Tuesday: Cloudy / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -10. Wednesday: Isolated flurries / light southwest winds / treeline temperature -8.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slabs were reported over the weekend, with numerous size 1-1.5 skier-triggered avalanches at treeline elevations and several size 2-3 natural storm slabs in the alpine. Storm slabs may remain touchy in the upcoming days as the new snow settles and as the wind redistributes the new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Saturday's storm brought another 25-30 cm to the Monashees and 10-15 cm to the Selkirks. The newest snow has been very reactive, forming touchy storm slabs throughout the region. A total of 50-80 cm of new snow has fallen in the past week and has been dramatically affected by wind in the alpine. The mid-November crust is now buried 60-120 cm deep, with recent reports suggest the snow is bonding well to the crust. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well bonded. Limited observations suggest snowpack depths are 130-200 cm at treeline elevations.

Regions covered