Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

trettie, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia, South Columbia, Esplanade, Jordan, North Selkirk, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan, Crawford, West Purcell.

Use extra caution at treeline where surface hoar is more likely to be preserved.

Reports are coming in indicating that this layer is sensitive to human triggers.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No Avalanches have been reported in the region but we suspect that avalanche activity will increase on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including: Â a layer of surface hoar on shelterd features, a crust on steep south facing slopes and facets on high north. Southwest winds will likely have formed wind slab on North and east aspects.

A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found just above the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than average snowpack. Coverage is reportedly the poorest in the alpine and below treeline. At treeline, depths are between 60 to 100 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8Â°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, up to 20 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -4Â°C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 25 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 35 km/h, freezing level up to 2000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy, 20 to 40 cm of new snow expected, southwest Â alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
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

Storm Slabs

New snow is forming a storm slab at all elevations. The most reactive slabs are likely to be at treeline where surface hoar is well preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

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