Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2023 4:00PM

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

llarson, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard.

New snow is a welcome treat! Storm slabs could build throughout the day and be touchy in areas where new snow has buried a surface hoar layer.

Summary

Confidence

No Rating

Avalanche Summary

Natural size one dry loose avalanches from steep terrain features reported around the Fernie area. Storm slabs may develop as the snow accumulates throughout the day and become touchy in areas where this new snow buries surface hoar.

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

Snowpack Summary

New snow will accumulate overnight and into tomorrow; up to 18 cm is possible. This new snow will cover a surface hoar layer that has been growing on various surfaces of wind-pressed snow, sun crust, and facets.

The snowpack is shallow at treeline, with depths of 60 to 80 cm. Recent cool temperatures have promoted faceting throughout. Snowpack depths taper off quickly below the treeline.

Expect early season conditions.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with flurries, accumulations of 3 cm. Increasing Southwest wind 15 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries continuing, accumulations of 8 to 18 cm. Southwest wind 25 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with flurries bringing 3 to 5 cm of new snow. Southwest wind 30 km/h increasing throughout the day. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Increasing clouds with flurries, light accumulation. Southwest wind 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 to -3 °C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
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

Storm Slabs

Forecasted snow for the region varies between 8 to 18 cm of accumulation by the end of the day. Storm slabs could be touchy in areas where this new snow covers a surface hoar layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

New snow will accumulate throughout the day. This new snow may not bond well to the previous surfaces of surface hoar, wind-pressed snow, and facets.