Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 17th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
JH,
Avalanche Canada
The Winter Permit System started on Nov 16! Get your permit and know what areas are open before you venture into the backcountry.
Early season conditions dictate a cautious approach to the slopes. Slow down, enjoy the walk up, and ease up on your speed on the downhill journey!
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, we observed a notable large slab avalanche, which failed in the weak basal snowpack, on the West face of Cheops, as well as a few small loose dry avalanches from steep North facing terrain.
Artillery control on Thursday (for gun sight verification), produced 2 large loose snow avalanches in the steep North facing terrain on Mt MacDonald.
"Whumphing" has been reported recently, common when basal facets get overloaded and then collapse.
Snowpack Summary
Basal sugary facets have been found at Treeline/Alpine elevations. These facets offer little support to a young snowpack, often collapsing and producing loud "whumphing" sounds. Snow depth increases with elevation, but expect many rocks/trees lurking at and just below the snow surface.
Weather Summary
Saturday is forecast to be relatively calm and sunny. On Sunday, a weak frontal system will bring increased winds and moderate snowfall to the area.
Detailed weather forecasts can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Basal facets are more likely to be triggered in shallow, rocky areas, such as ridge-crests and open, convex slopes. A bridging crust exists below Treeline, preventing folks from sinking to the ground at lower elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 18th, 2023 4:00PM
