Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 24th, 2023 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Continually assess the snowpack depth as you move through terrain, especially on wind affected slopes. If the snow is deep enough to make for good riding then it is deep enough to avalanche.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
One size 1 human triggered avalanche was reported in the east Purcells. This avalanche was at treeline on a west aspect and ran on the facets at the base of the snowpack.
Observations are limited this time of year, please consider filling out a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions are variable. A sun crust can be found on some steep south and west facing slopes. In the alpine and on exposed treeline features a mix of wind scouring and loading can be found from previous southwest winds.
Another crust with facets or depth hoar exists at or near the ground. In general the snowpack is shallower than average for this time of year with depths at treeline ranging from 20 to 50 cm. Snowpack depths taper rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Increasing cloud with no new snow expected, northwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperatures falling to -16°C.
Saturday
Potential for valley fog in the morning followed by mostly sunny skies and no new snow expected, northwest alpine winds 10 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -11°C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny skies with no new snow expected, northwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.
Monday
Mostly clear skies with no new snow expected, west alpine winds 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -11°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- 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
Wind slab may be found in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Wind slab may overlie a layer of facets and depth hoar that sits above the ground. This combination could result in larger and more sensitive wind slab than expected.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 25th, 2023 3:00PM
