Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche danger will increase with rising freezing levels, strong winds, and heavy precipitation. Watch for changing conditions and avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Near Shames, a size 1 human-triggered slab was reported with the recent storm snow at 1500 m.
Reactivity is expected to increase with new snow, wind and rising temperatures on Monday. Head out with a conservative mindset and look for signs of instability as you travel through terrain.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
The region received up to 25-40 cm over the weekend. In the alpine, strong southerly winds have redistributed this new snow. A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found down 35 to 80 cm. The mid and lower snowpack appears to be well-bonded, but field observations have been limited early in the season.
The height of snow at treeline is roughly 100-150 cm, and decreases drastically at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
A large and impactful weather system will move onto the north coast, bringing heavy precipitation and windy conditions. Freezing levels are expected to rise to 1000-1500 m.
Sunday night
10-15 cm of snow/rain. Strong southwesterly wind gusting 70 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing levels rising to 1000 m.
Monday
Heavy snow/rain; 15-20 cm during the day with an additional 10-20 cm overnight. Southwesterly ridgetop winds gusting 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach 0 °C as the freezing level rises to 1500 m by afternoon.
Tuesday
Precipitations continue with 15-20 cm of snow /rain. Southerly ridgetop winds gusting 90 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -2 °C. Freezing levels return to 1000 m.
Wednesday
Light precipitations, 5-10 cm of snow/ rain. Moderate ridgetop winds up to 45 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -2 °C. Freezing levels steady at 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- As the storm slab problem gets trickier, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent and incoming snowfalls will form fresh, reactive storm slabs that may be the deepest and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain. Be aware of the potential for rider-triggered loose avalanches where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2023 4:00PM
