Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Weak layers in the snowpack warrant careful terrain choices and watching for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.

Submit MIN report if you are out in the mountains!

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Since the weekend, several 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.

No wind slab avalanches have been reported, though wind transport has been observed.

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.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partially cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h west ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Mostly clear. 12 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly clear. 12 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C with an above-freezing layer developing between 2000 m to 3000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • 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.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind from the west may have formed wind slabs along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2024 4:00PM

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