Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin

Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin

Date Issued: Monday 16 November, 2009

Valid Until: Friday 20 November, 2009

SPECIAL MESSAGE

Moderate to heavy snow fall with winds strong at times from Monday night through Thursday will create conditions which could produce human triggered avalanches particularly in the alpine and at tree line.

Due to a lack of observers in the mountains at this time we can only offer general information.

Be aware of precipitation amounts and wind strengths and directions. Use all the normal cautions if you head into the mountains and be particularly cautious on leeward slopes in the alpine and at tree line. Make detailed observations when you are in the mountains and act accordingly. Seek out reliable and experienced local sources of information. As always carry the technical equipment needed to effect self rescue (beacon, shovel, probe etc.) but be aware that these are reactive tools used when something has gone very wrong. Take an avalanche course early this winter and learn how to make decisions that might keep you out of trouble in the first place.

DANGER RATINGS

Weather: Snow accumulating to over a meter at treeline last week changed to rain on Sunday leaving a soaked snow pack of perhaps half as much by time of writing. The forecast is for moderate to heavy snow Monday night through Thursday with winds strong at times SE through SW.

Confidence: Poor. A lack of field observations limits our ability to offer more detailed information until our bulletin season begins and we have forecasters in the field.

Are you traveling in the island back country?

Send our forecasters your observations. We are particularly interested in hearing if you have observed avalanche activity or If you or a member of your party has been involved in an avalanche. Email your observations to the Island Alpine Guides Avalanche Bulletin.

Important Notice: This is a regional forecast and significant variation may exist within the forecast area. The information and danger ratings are intended as a trip planning aid for recreational, backcountry users of avalanche terrain; they are not meant to be used as the sole factor in determining the avalanche danger presented by a specific slope. Always include local weather, snowpack and avalanche observations in your decision to travel in avalanche terrain. Observations and experience may lead to different conclusions from what is reported or recommended. See disclaimer for further details. The technical data used to produce these bulletins is obtained from a variety of sources, including local ski areas and remote weather resources.