Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2023 4:00PM

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

cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary, Shuswap, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.

Wind-loaded places can look appealing with such poor coverage, but steep, wind-loaded features are the most likely place to trigger an avalanche on weak basal snow right now.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. This should stay the same until the region receives more snow.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! ðŸ™

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a mix of surface hoar topping a few cm of faceting snow in shaded, sheltered areas, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes,Â and heavy wind effect on exposed terrain at treeline and above.

A crust with facets or depth hoar exists at or near the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. At treeline, snowpack depths are between 30-80 cm. Below treeline, snowpack depths taper quickly.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly clear with valley cloud remaining in place below 2000 m. Northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, easing.

Thursday

Becoming cloudy. Southeast alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 Â°C.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from overnight. Minimal accumulations. Southwest alpine wind 10-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -7Â°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature -7Â°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
Winter conditions may exist in gullies, alpine bowls, and around ridgelines.
Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The base of our thin snowpack is weak and faceted. Steep pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow are the most likely to break away from this weak base under the weight of a person or machine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2023 4:00PM