Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Though natural avalanches have tapered off, wind slabs could still be reactive to human triggering.

Avoid wind-loaded pockets and seek sheltered areas to find safer better riding.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of a natural avalanche cycle from Tuesday's storm, to size 1.5 is being observed at treeline and alpine elevations. Avalanche control done Wednesday with explosives produced some size 2 storm slab avalanches in steep, rocky, wind-loaded areas.

There are limited backcountry reports from the region however expect to see evidence of a natural cycle from the storm earlier this week where new snow amounted to +30 cm.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of snow and strong SW winds have formed thick storm slabs in lees. Sheltered terrain will likely have deep low density snow.

New snow sits on a variety wind-affected of surfaces. In the alpine, it overlies stubborn wind slabs that were formed by variable winds. A crust is reported to be found 60 to 90 cm deep however no results have been observed on it.

Even with the new snow, early-season hazards remain at treeline and below. Rocks and brush poke through a building snowpack that grows from 70 to 120 cm at treeline to 180 cm in the alpine. Much of the below treeline vegetation band is below the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Partially cloudy. Light southwest winds. Temperature of -15 C at 1500 m and freezing levels remain at valley bottom.

Friday

Partially cloudly with scattered flurries. Flurries will increase in intensity throughout the day accumulating up to 5 cm by evening. Light southwest winds switch to the east in the evening. Alpine temperatures stay cool with a high of -10. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom.

Saturday

Few clouds and light easterly ridge winds. Alpine temperatures rise to -5. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Sunday

Clear skies. Light northeast ridge winds. Alpine temperatuers high -2. Freezing levels stay at valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

20 to 40 cm of snow and strong SW winds during this week's storm have formed wind slabs in lees and remain possible to human triggering. Seek sheltered areas and avoid wind-loaded pockets.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2022 4:00PM