Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches may increase with prolonged warm weather.
Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes as this is where you're most likely to trigger an avalanche.
Summary
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, explosive testing in the far south east of this region, produced a few small (size 1.5) wind slab avalanches.
Last week, several small (size 1 to 1.5) deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the Invermere area. These 40 cm thick slabs are failing on weak basal snow and have been triggered by both riders and explosives.
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snow depths are 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Surface snow is being redistributed by wind in exposed areas but remains soft in sheltered terrain.
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. Similar conditions are likely in the South Rockies, though observations are limited.
Early season hazards are present at all elevation, Stay alert and assess terrain carefully.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly clear. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridge top winds. Treeline temperature 1 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.
- Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are possible on steep smooth slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent westerly winds may have formed wind slabs in leeward terrain features adjacent to ridges
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2024 4:00PM
