Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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The avalanche hazard will likely hold steady for one more day, before rising significantly Monday evening and into Tuesday with the incoming storm.

Early Season Conditions persist.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of new snow now overlies the December 2nd interface, which consists of surface hoar up to 10mm, a thin sun crust on south and west aspects, and facets. Moderate to strong winds continue to redistribute snow at tree line and above. The snowpack is generally between 25-45cm in depth with a faceted base.

Weather Summary

An unsettled westerly flow across the region will lead to cloudy conditions and scattered flurries through Monday. Trace accumulations of new snow and strong westerly winds are anticipated.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The snow pack is very weak and faceted, particularly near the ground. We expect this problem to "wake up" and become more active as the load from the forecast snow and wind increases.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Forecast strong winds and snow could lead to the development of reactive wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. These small avalanches also have to potential to initiate a deep persistent slab, and create a larger avalanche.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2023 4:00PM

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