Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 26th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for changing conditions as strong winds may mean that wind slabs become increasingly reactive throughout the day. Avoid overhead hazard during times of rapid loading due to strong winds.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm / southwest wind, 20-50 km/h / alpine low temperature near -6 / freezing level 900 m
FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm / southwest wind, 25-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1100 m
SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / west wind, 20-40 km/h, easing in the afternoon / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 900 m
SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / south wind, 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3Â Â
Avalanche Summary
Strong winds, recent storm snow, and warming temperatures will likely promote fresh wind slab formation. These slabs may become easier to trigger throughout the day.
There have been very few reports of avalanches in the region, however observations are limited at this time.Â
In the past week there have been a few size 2-3 avalanches reported on the early November crust in both the South Columbia and neighbouring Glacier National Park region. Â
If you get out into the mountains, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds on Thursday night and Friday will likely form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. There are a couple of crusts in the mid snowpack, from mid and early November. The most prominent of these is from early November, and it has been reported that there are weak, sugary facets above and below this crust. It is down approximately 70-100 cm, and recent observations indicate that this layer has the potential to be triggered by humans. Several reports indicate that it is likely the most reactive on south facing slopes.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong southwest winds will likely form fresh wind slabs, which may become increasingly reactive throughout the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A crust from early November exists down about 70-100 cm. This layer has weak, sugary facets above and below it. There are limited observations on this layer right now, however some recent test results suggest that it has the potential to be triggered by humans. Recent observations have also indicated that this layer may be the most reactive on south facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 27th, 2020 4:00PM
