Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2024 2:15PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMackenzie, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs are evident at upper elevations. Use caution when entering lee and cross-loaded terrain, and be aware of overhead terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Sunday, but field teams on Saturday reported significant sluffing in steep cliffy terrain, mainly on East aspects. This was likely due to the strong wind event that was occurring at the time. A party reported a near miss from an overhead avalanche near Tryst Ridge/Little Tent Ridge - see the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Extensive winds over the previous couple of days have created widespread winds slabs at 2300m and above. Not much evidence of natural avalanche activity on this problem yet, but human triggering on lee and cross-loaded slopes is likely. At lower elevations the snowpack remains weak and unconsolidated with many early season hazards lurking. The October rain crust is one to watch. It is now buried 40 to 70cm and would provide a good sliding layer if the layer above was triggered.

Weather Summary

Monday will be mainly sunny with high temp near -4C. Winds will be moderate to strong from the W to NW. No snowfall is expected for the next several days.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Saturday saw a significant increase in winds that were creating fresh wind slabs above 2300m.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This slab is sitting on the October crust which has facets above it and provides a good sliding surface. It is more reactive on N and E aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2024 3:00PM

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