Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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Incoming snow and strong winds will likely raise the avalanche hazard throughout the day on Sunday. Watch for changing conditions, and avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar up to 10mm, and a thin sun crust on south and west aspects, are now buried by up to 5cm of snow in sheltered areas. Strong winds continue to hammer exposed areas at tree line and above. The snowpack is generally between 25-45cm of snow sitting over a faceted base.

Weather Summary

A frontal system moving across the region on Sunday will bring 2-5cm of snow and strong SW winds at ridge top.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The snow pack is very weak and faceted, particularly near the ground. We expect this problem to "wake up" and become more active as the load from the forecast snow and wind increases.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Forecast strong winds and snow could lead to the development of reactive wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. These small avalanches also have to potential to initiate a deep persistent slab, and create a larger avalanche.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM