Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 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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Take a cautious approach and assess conditions as you travel. Observations are limited at this time of year and many early-season hazards are lurking just below the surface.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are very limited at this time of year.

If you do head out, do so with a cautious and investigative mindset, and let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above, strong northwesterly winds have redistributed 10-20 cm of recent snow into heavily wind-affected surfaces and new wind slabs. Recent warm temperatures may have formed a crust on the snow surface.

The middle and lower snowpack are seemingly well-bonded, but observations have been limited.

The snowpack has an average depth of 50 cm at treeline and 80-150 cm in the alpine. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Mostly cloudy with clear periods and a chance of light precipitation, northwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 0°C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with a chance of light rain, northwest alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature 2°C, freezing level 2100 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature 0°C with a temperature inversion, alpine temperatures reaching 4°C.

Monday

Cloudy with no precipitation, west alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -2°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.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • 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

Northwest winds accompanying last week's storm have formed wind slabs in the alpine and treeline which may remain reactive to rider triggering in isolated areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2023 4:00PM

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