Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Be aware that stubborn wind slabs are present in the Alpine and in open Treeline features.
With limited early season options to ride, overcrowding is an issue. Avoid putting yourself below other groups, and if you are above a party, communicate with them and avoid dumping an avalanche on top of them.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday, backcountry reports of rider triggering wind slab from reverse loading winds, on S/SW aspects.
On Tuesday, we had reports of a few rider triggered slabs in the Connaught valley, size 0.5-1.5. The reactivity and distribution of these wind slabs is hard to predict.
Few small natural avalanches along the highway corridor have been observed in the last three days.
Riders are reporting minor sluffing in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Recent N/NE winds have formed fresh wind slabs on S/SW terrain which sits beneath 10cm of new snow. Roughly 50 to 70 cm of settling HST sits over the November 9 crust. This crust is present up to 2100 m and higher on solar facing terrain. Below Treeline, the snowpack tapers to 40cms or less, making ski outs treacherous! Expect glaciers to have poor coverage and thin bridging.
Weather Summary
Tonight and into Friday a new low pressure system shifts into southern BC bringing rising freezing levels, strong winds, and snow.
Thurs Night: No precip, Alp low -7°C, light E winds.
Fri: Cloudy/Flurries, Alp high -2°C, Moderate E winds, 1300m FZL
Sat: Flurries, 4cm, Alp high -4°C, Moderate SE winds, 1400m FZL
Sun: Flurries, Alp High -5°C, light SW winds, 1200m FZL
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent reverse loading created fresh wind-slabs on S/SW terrain features in open terrain at Treeline and in the Alpine. Buried wind slabs from weekend winds can be found in exposed terrain. Use caution in steep terrain where a small avalanche could have large consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5