Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 29th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSteep, loaded features like gullies are the most likely spot to trigger something right now. Early season conditions make for a rough ride, even in a small avalanche.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. Little change is expected until it snows again.
Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! ð
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions are a mix of heavily wind-affected surfaces, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and 10-15 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas. Surface hoar has been spotted growing on most of these.
A crust with facets below exists at or near the ground. At treeline, snowpack depths are between 40 and 60 cm. Below treeline, this tapers off quickly.
Expect early season conditions.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Valley cloud rising to 2500 m, clear above. West alpine wind 15-10 km/h.
Thursday
Increasing cloud with valley cloud below 2500 m remaining. Southwest alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from overnight. Minimal accumulations. Southwest alpine wind 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -9.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30-60 km/h, strongest in the alpine. 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
The base of our thin snowpack is weak and faceted. Steep pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow are the most likely to break away from this weak base under the weight of a person or machine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 30th, 2023 4:00PM