Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 28th, 2016 4:56PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Recently formed storm slabs may still be reactive to human triggers. Use additional caution in shallow, rocky, or wind affected alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud / light southerly winds / Freezing level around 700m. Wednesday: Possible flurries / Light westerly winds / Freezing level around 1000m. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / Freezing level around 800m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Sunday. However, on Saturday, numerous size 1-1.5 skier-triggered avalanches at treeline and several size 2-3 natural avalanches in the alpine were reported.

Snowpack Summary

50-80 cm of snow has fallen in the past week with significant winds in the alpine. This has formed storm and wind slabs that have been very reactive to human triggers. These slabs will likely become less reactive in the coming days but will still require careful slope by slope evaluation. The mid-November crust is now buried 60-120 cm deep. Recent reports suggest the overlying snow is well bonded to this crust. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well settled. Snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with an average of 130-200 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for several days.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may remain touchy even though the storms have passed, especially at higher elevations and on wind-loaded features.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.Avoid regrouping in runout zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 29th, 2016 2:00PM