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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 23rd, 2012–Nov 24th, 2012

Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary.

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variations in conditions are likely to exist. Check out the Forecasters Blog for further details on interpreting early season bulletins.

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A Pacific frontal system is moving through the interior regions Friday and extending into Saturday. This will bring strong ridgetop winds, and moderate amounts of snow, especially in upslope areas. After the front passes, a weak ridge of high pressure will push into the region bringing dryer, cooler, and clearing conditions that will last through the weekend. Freezing levels will stay in the valley bottom through the period.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. If you and your friends have been out exploring and riding in the backcountry, and have some observations to share please send an email to [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

New storm snow will bury previously formed wind slabs, and continue to build storm slabs. An early November crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack, however there is no information leading me to think that it could act as a weak layer. Be aware of instability signs such as whumphing, which is a good indicator of a weak layer buried beneath and an unstable snowpack.  Snowpack depths on average are near 80 cm @1700 m, and near 100 cm at higher elevations. Below treeline may still be below threshold. Snowpack and conditions vary across the region, its important to be aware of YOUR local conditions.

Problems

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.

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.