Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2023 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 wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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New snow continues over the next few days, battling with strong winds to stick to the mountains. Small wind slabs may be found in very sheltered terrain features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

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

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow has fallen since Friday, likely redistributed by strong southerly winds at higher elevations.

The snowpack remains generally shallow, with early season hazards just below the snow surface. A weak layer of faceted snow may be present at the base of the snowpack.

The height of snow at treeline is approximately 30 to 50 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 cm of snow possible, southwest winds 20 - 45 km/h.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 - 10 cm of snow. Southwest winds 50 - 80 km/h. Freezing levels rise to around 1000 m, treeline temperatures reach -1 °C.

Monday

Cloudy, light snowfall continues with another 5 cm possible. Winds remain strong, 60 - 80 km/h from the southwest. Freezing levels rise from 500 - 1000 m over the day with treeline temperatures reaching -1 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy, snowfall tapers off. Winds increase, 70 - 100 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m, treeline temperatures reach +2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Small but reactive pockets of wind slab are expected to form as new snow accumulates.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM