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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 15th, 2011–Nov 16th, 2011

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Purcells.

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

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Skies are briefly clearing ahead of the next band of precipitation, which is due to arrive late on Wednesday. Light snowfall is expected overnight Wednesday and on Thursday morning. Temperatures should remain cool.There is a chance of another pulse of snow arriving on Friday but weather models are showing uncertainty.

Avalanche Summary

A cycle of natural avalanche activity was observed in Quartz Creek on Sunday. Wind slabs (20cm deep) and persistent slabs (60cm deep) were observed. Persistent slabs were propagating widely and running on a weakness towards the base of the snowpack. Observations are limited to the northern Purcells.

Snowpack Summary

There is significant variability in the snowpack across the region. Snowpack depth at treeline varies from around 40-130cm. Up to 50cm of snow fell over the last few days, which was redistributed by strong winds blowing first from the south and then from the north-west. A basal layer of facets was reported in the Dogtooth Range, with a weak interface between the lower facets and recent storm snow. Observations are limited.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.