Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2014 8:17AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Outflow winds are forecast to calm down on Sunday afternoon, but the cold and clear weather is expected to continue into mid-week.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Some cloud and light precipitation are expected along the coast on Sunday as a low pressure system moves from the Alaska pan-handle down the coast. Yesterday it looked like that system might move inland and bring moderate precipitation to the coast mountains, but now it looks like the high pressure over the interior will deflect the low down the coast. Inland areas are forecast to be clear and cold for the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

There are no new observations from the region. Please let us know what you're seeing out there. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

As we begin our forecasting season, we are working with limited information from the field. This forecast is primarily based off weather station data and a few field observations from the past week or two. Approximately 20-30 cm of cold dry snow has fallen in the past couple days, mainly in the southern part of the region. Moderate or strong easterly winds may have blown this snow into stiff wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Be alert to signs of wind loading like patterns on the snow surface, variable new snow depths, and dense or hollow sounding snow. A potential weak layer interface (crust and faceted snow) may be buried 30-50 cm deep. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong Northeasterly outflow winds have developed pockets of wind slab at higher elevations where there is snow available for transport. 
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2014 2:00PM

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