Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

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Good skiing can be found on moderately angled, sheltered slopes around treeline. Steep, wind loaded features are the most likely to produce an avalanche failing on weak basal snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a mix of large surface hoar topping 10-20 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and wind effect in exposed terrain at treeline and above.

A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found 10 to 20 cm above the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. Coverage is reportedly poorest in the alpine and below treeline. At treeline, depths are between 60-100 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly clear with valley cloud below 2000 m remaining. Northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h.

Thursday

Becoming cloudy. Southeast alpine wind 10-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from the overnight period. Minimal accumulations. South alpine wind 15-25 km/h. Treeline temperature -7°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature -8°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.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • 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

The base of the snowpack holds weak, faceted snow. Steep pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow are the most likely to break away from this weak base with a human trigger.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2023 4:00PM