Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2013 8:50AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: A series of Pacific frontal systems will continue to deliver snow with strong winds to the higher elevations: Rain in the valleys with freezing levels forecast to rise to 1500 metres, strong SW winds with up to 50 cm forecast for higher elevations.Sunday: Cold arctic air moves south from the Yukon bringing freezing levels down to valley bottoms.Monday: Dry arctic air will dominate the region.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported yet, however, expect activity on wind slabs that develop during the storm. The added load of new snow and wind transported snow may overload weak layers.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and winds are creating wind slabs at upper elevations. Rain at lower elevations will continue to saturate the snowpack. You may find a weakly bonded layer about 40cm below the surface as well as the early season crust closer to the ground. These layers may be gaining strength, but could become quite reactive with the new snow loading.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The incoming storms and high winds will change the situation as it loads buried weak layers. A weak layer at around 40cm from the surface as well as the early season crust closer to the ground could become quite reactive with the new snow loading.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2013 2:00PM