Avalanche Forecast
Regions: McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
As wind speeds increase throughout the day, wind slabs will become an increasing concern, especially at higher elevations.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported.
Observations remain very limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network
Snowpack Summary
Recent winds from various directions have created highly wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations, with wind slabs potentially existing on all aspects. Up to 40 cm of recent snow sits on a settled mid-snowpack in sheltered areas.
A crust formed in early November is present in the lower snowpack, with possible faceted crystals above or below it. Large depth hoar crystals exist at the base of the snowpack, particularly in the northern part of the region.
Snowpack depth at treeline is about 100 cm, and most below treeline slopes are not yet at the threshold to avalanche.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, winds increasing throughout the day. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form where snow is available for transport.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2