Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may present as an appealing place to get some early-season turns, but they're also the places where avalanches are most likely to occur.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Snowpack Summary

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack, at treeline depths are between 40 and 60 cm. Below treeline, snowpack depths taper off quickly.

Surface conditions are variable. Surface hoar growth has been reported in some areas. 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.

A crust with facets below exists at or near the ground.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Clear periods, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Valley cloud in many areas, clear above, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C with an alpine temperature inversion.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
  • 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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind-loaded snow sitting atop a weak, facetted lower snowpack may be found at higher elevations, primarily in east facing terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2023 4:00PM