There is a report of an avalanche incident on Frisby Ridge (near Revelstoke) on Tuesday involving 4 snowmobilers. Two riders were partially buried and two were completely buried. The avalanche occurred on a NE facing slope at treeline. Fortunately everyone made it out with only relatively minor injuires and 3 lost sleds. This serious incident highlights the potential for dangerous avalanches and the importance of riding slopes one at a time and spotting from safe locations.
Travel Advisory
Locally heavy precipitation and strong southerly winds are possible over the next couple days. Use extra caution when crossing avalanche paths and riding large slopes. Cross or ride slopes one at a time, move quickly, and spot from safe locations. Be wary of deep pockets of wind blown snow behind ridges and terrain features well into treeline. Watch for clues like cracking or whumpfing that may indicate the presence of unstable snow. Avoid common trigger points like steep convex rolls and wind-loaded slopes below cliffs and ridges and stear clear of terrain traps that may increase the consequences of being caught in an avalanche.
Snowpack
There is really no new information on snowpack structure from the region. Send us your observations if you’re out in the mountains! The snowpack at treeline is roughly 130-170cm in the N. Monashees, and 100-150cm in the Cariboos. This is based on actual observations from Rogers Pass and snow pillow data from throughout the region. Wind slabs are likely in exposed terrain from previous and expected high winds.
Mid Nov activity is to be expected due to the amount of accumulation IMO.
I will ask the questions.
Does your group have AST1 Training?
Where you riding or stopped?
Where you in a terrain trap?
If riding... all on the same slope?
What would you do different?
Is the CAC marked on your web browser?
Did you use the Avulator?
The wifes know?
Be safe everyone... We don't need more of these.......all avoidable.
RS
Travel Advisory
Locally heavy precipitation and strong southerly winds are possible over the next couple days. Use extra caution when crossing avalanche paths and riding large slopes. Cross or ride slopes one at a time, move quickly, and spot from safe locations. Be wary of deep pockets of wind blown snow behind ridges and terrain features well into treeline. Watch for clues like cracking or whumpfing that may indicate the presence of unstable snow. Avoid common trigger points like steep convex rolls and wind-loaded slopes below cliffs and ridges and stear clear of terrain traps that may increase the consequences of being caught in an avalanche.
Snowpack
There is really no new information on snowpack structure from the region. Send us your observations if you’re out in the mountains! The snowpack at treeline is roughly 130-170cm in the N. Monashees, and 100-150cm in the Cariboos. This is based on actual observations from Rogers Pass and snow pillow data from throughout the region. Wind slabs are likely in exposed terrain from previous and expected high winds.
Mid Nov activity is to be expected due to the amount of accumulation IMO.
I will ask the questions.
Does your group have AST1 Training?
Where you riding or stopped?
Where you in a terrain trap?
If riding... all on the same slope?
What would you do different?
Is the CAC marked on your web browser?
Did you use the Avulator?
The wifes know?
Be safe everyone... We don't need more of these.......all avoidable.
RS
