Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 28th, 2015 7:42AM

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 and Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

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Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

High pressure, dry conditions and warm alpine temperatures are expected to continue until Monday. Winds become strong southerly on Sunday. Light snow is expected to begin late Monday (around 5-10 cm overnight) and continue on Tuesday (10-25 cm). The northernmost part of the region will get the most snow and may exceed these numbers. Confidence in the intensity and timing of this system is low.For more details check out avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle occurred in the north of the region on Thursday, with several loose, moist avalanches below about 1700 m, and some isolated storm or wind slabs in the alpine to size 2.5. Glide avalanches are also reportedly active. On Friday, a large explosive triggered a size 3 slab which may have failed on an early season crust/ facet layer.

Snowpack Summary

So far, we only have limited information from the field. Initial reports suggest that there is around 150 cm at 2000 m. Recent winds have created variable wind slabs and crusts. In some places, a crust/facet interface or surface hoar can be found in the upper snowpack. At high elevations, a crust which formed early season sits at the base of the snowpack.Its a good time to dig down and get snowpack information before committing to any terrain. Incoming snow may bond poorly to some of the existing snow surfaces.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking near, or well below, ridge crests. Conditions are highly variable, so be alert to hollow, drummy sounds and changes in the feel of the snow as you travel.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and use a cautious approach to terrain while gathering information along the way.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Unusually warm alpine temperatures may weaken surface snow and lead to loose wet avalanches.

Watch for clues that indicate that the snowpack is warming up, like sluffing off of cliffs, snow balling and natural avalanche activity.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 29th, 2015 2:00PM