Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Continue to assess for wind slab as you move through terrain. Wind slabs could be found on all exposed slopes. As the cold temps settle in be sure to increase your margin for safety.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday a natural wind slab cycle to size 2.5 was observed in the northwest part of the region. These avalanches occured on northwest , west and southwest aspects at treeline and above. These avalanches are a result of ongoing outflow winds.

Snowpack Summary

Over the past few days strong outflow winds have scoured easterly slopes and created wind slab on west and south slopes.

A layer buried in mid November can be found down around 70 to 100cm at treeline and above. This layer consists of a crust below 1200m and a layer of surface hoar above this elevation.

The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100-200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline. Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Trace amounts of new snow expected. Strong outflow winds. Temperatures at 1500m around -18.

Friday

Strong outflow winds and Mostly sunny with temperatures at 1500m around -18.

Saturday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Outflow winds easing throughout the day and the possibility of a temperature inversion with a high of -5 at 1500m.

Sunday

Sunny with no new snow expected. Temperature inversion continues with the possibility of a above freezing layer at 1500m. Light winds.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Easterly winds have formed wind slab on northwest, west and southwest aspects and likely cross loaded others. Keep an eye out for wind slab on all exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2022 4:00PM