Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Nov 26, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A warm and wet system is moving across the province. Snowfall and rising temperatures will test the strength of buried layers within the snowpack. In areas with higher than forecasted snowfall, avalanche hazard may be higher than forecasted.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Slabs may be more reactive in wind-exposed terrain and areas where the new snow has a weak bond with the underlying surface layer.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3
    A buried weak layer exists at the base of the snowpack in the alpine. This weak layer has already produced large avalanches and may be triggered by the weight of a person.

Confidence

Low - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Precipitation: up to 5cm / Light south-southwest ridge windMONDAY: Flurries / Accumulation: 5-15 cm / Alpine temperature: Low -4C / Moderate south ridge wind / Freezing level 1400mTUESDAY: Periods of snow / Accumulation: 10-25 cm / Alpine temperature: High 0C / Moderate south-southwest ridge wind / Freezing level 1700mWEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries / Accumulation: up to 10 cm / Alpine temperature: High -3C / Light to moderate south-southwest ridge wind / Freezing level 1400m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a large human triggered avalanche was reported on Meadow Mountain. The size 3 avalanche occurred on a steep, north aspect in the alpine and failed to ground, likely on a crust buried in October. Find the MIN report here.Earlier in the month, a natural avalanche cycle took place over the late October crust/facet combination. Be aware of the continued possibility for smaller avalanches to 'step down' or even initiate at this deeper layer. It exists primarily in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of recent snow covers two surface hoar layers (weak feathery snow), down about 30 and 60 cm respectively. Near the ground, faceted/sugary snow on a crust supports the snowpack. The total snowpack depth varies from 110-160 cm in the alpine, with snowpack depth decreasing quickly with decreasing elevation.

Regions covered