It's early winter, but already avalanche season. Read the blog for info on recent close calls!Blog: http://bit.ly/1kvqqZq
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
The next three days look dry, cool and sunny, with the freezing level at valley bottom. There is the possibility of a layer of warm air forming at ridge top on Sunday. Some precipitation may arrive late Monday. Check tomorrow for updates.The exception could be east slopes of the Rockies, where a tongue of warm air may push in and create some localised precipitation through the weekend. Confidence is low in the extent and effect of this warming.For more details check out avalanche.ca/weather .
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. There was a natural avalanche cycle in the alpine in response to last weekend's storm.
Snowpack Summary
So far, we only have limited information from the field. Submit yours to the MIN! Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow on the ground above about 1700 m for avalanches to occur. A 7 cm thick crust which formed with rain to around 1950 m last weekend may be a layer to watch as the season progresses.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.