Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Nov 17 – 18, 2011Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variation in conditions and danger levels are likely to exist. To produce more accurate forecasts, we need information. Please send an email to [email protected].

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Near ridgecrests and terrain breaks, and in cross-loaded gullies.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Steep unsupported slopes.

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observationsfor the entire period

Weather Forecast

Friday: Mostly clear with freezing levels at sea level and Alpine temperatures as low as -17 Celcius. Strong Northeasterly outflow winds developing throughout the day.Saturday: Increasing clouds and warming trend as winds shift to westerly, but freezing levels remaining at sea level.Sunday: Light snowfall increasing throughout the day with gradual warming

Avalanche Summary

I suspect there was a decent natural cycle during the storms earlier this week, especially on wind-loaded slopes. The possibility of human-triggered wind and storm slab avalanches is expected to remain for the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10-15cm adds to the recent storm snow totals. Varying temperature, precipitation intensity, and wind throughout the recent storms have probably resulted in weaknesses strewn throughout the top metre or so. However, the relatively warm post-storm temperatures on Thursday should favor settlement and strengthening. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, with an old rain crust near the ground.

Regions covered