Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 11th, 2015–Nov 12th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Skiing is still rugged down low. Taking a ride in a slide would leave you with little pride.

Weather Forecast

Light to moderate snowfall throughout the day, with freezing levels remaining below 1000m. Winds will be moderate westerlies. Brace yourself for a stronger, warmer storm Thursday/Friday, with 50-70cm of snow, rising freezing levels, and strong ridge-top winds.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of overnight snow blankets an shallow, early season snowpack. There is widespread surface hoar under this new snow. Wind slabs in alpine and tree-line lee features are starting to bond better with the underlying snowpack. Many rocks, stumps, and trees are still poking through the surface, so early season hazards still prevail.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a skier-triggered size 3.5 along Bruins Ridge caught two people. Partial burial of those involved. Dimensions were 50-100cm deep, 300m wide, and 1200m in length. The slide covered part of the Video Pk uptrack. Natural activity has eased off since the last storm, but will likely ramp up again with the approaching storm front.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft wind slab exists at alpine and tree-line elevations after the weekend storm. They will be harder to see with the new snow. These slabs are propagating wide and running quite long distances.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

The new snow overlies a widespread surface hoar layer. With increased loading (snowfall, wind transport) these slabs will become reactive.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Steep gullies and confined chutes will concentrate your sluffs. Be aware of flowing loose snow if you are in one of these features.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2