Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2018 4:27PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Welcome to winter. This forecast is based on few field observations and a high level of uncertainty exists. A conservative approach to terrain selection is critical until more data becomes available.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Patchy clouds with flurries / Light west wind / Freezing level valley bottomSATURDAY: Mostly dry, mix of sun and cloud / Light variable wind / Freezing level valley bottomSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, dry with chance of sunny breaks / Light west ridge top windMONDAY: Incoming system, snow accumulation 10-30 cm /Â Light to moderate southwest winds

Avalanche Summary

In the past 48 hours, 15-30 cm new snow has fallen in this region. No recent natural avalanches have been reported. Explosives have triggered slab avalanches to size 1.5 in ridge top lee features. We currently have limited observations in this regions. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of recent snow has buried a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals), found widespread at treeline and below. In exposed alpine areas, a temperature crust may exist where wind/sun was able to break down surface hoar before burial. The snowpack is supported by an unreactive basal crust/facet layer 15-25 cm above the ground. Alpine snowpack depths vary from 110-160 cm, with snowpack depth decreasing quickly with decreasing elevation.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may be more reactive in wind-exposed terrain and areas where the new snow has a weak bond with the underlying surface layer.

Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2018 2:00PM