Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2016 4:24PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Due to the lack of snowpack and avalanche data, we are currently unable to issue danger ratings for this region. If you're in the mountains, please consider contributing to the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Thursday: 5 cm, 30-50 km/h ridgetop winds from the southwest, freezing level 500m. Friday: 10 cm, 60-90 km/h ridgetop winds from the southwest, freezing level rising to 1000 m. Saturday: light flurries, 50-70 km/h ridgetop winds from the west, freezing level 500m.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from last weekend include several size 1.5 loose dry sluffs that ran far from steep alpine start zones on southeast to east aspects. Watch for slab development above surface hoar as the storm snow settles and winds redistribute the new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Early season snowpack observations are still limited in the region, but there is likely enough snow for avalanches at treeline and above. 20-30 cm of storm snow from earlier this week is settling with the warm temperatures and being redistributed by strong southwesterly winds. The storm snow sits above a thin layer of surface hoar that formed last week. Recent reports suggest a thick rain crust that formed in early November is now buried 30-40 cm deep. Snowpack tests were producing moderate to hard sudden collapse results on facets above this crust. The average snowpack depth is reported to be around 50-90 cm at treeline and 120 cm or greater in the alpine.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds will form wind slabs in the alpine and on exposed features at treeline. Wind slabs may be touchy in areas with buried surface hoar.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2016 2:00PM