Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 28th, 2022 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 jsmith, Avalanche Canada

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Recent winds have shifted to the east and may form fresh wind slabs on aspects that are generally windward.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Check out this MIN report of a skier triggered wind slab avalanche that occurred on a south aspect at treeline on Sunday.

Another MIN from Sunday has photos of wind slab avalanches that likely occurred during the storm on Saturday.

Snowpack and avalanche observation data are currently very limited in this region. Please consider posting your observations to the MIN. (Mountain Information Network)

Snowpack Summary

Recent winds have shifted to the east and may form fresh wind slabs on aspects that are generally windward.

Last week's storm that delivered 50-100 cm of snow and strong southwest ridgetop winds created thick wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

The recent snow overlies a variety of problematic snow surfaces including facets and crusts. Below this, the snowpack is generally shallow and weak.

The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies from 80-140 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline.

Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy / Light east ridgetop winds / Low temperature at treeline -21 C

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate east ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -17 C

Wednesday

Sunny / Strong east ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -20 C

Thursday

Increasing cloudiness / Light southwest ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -21 C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs formed by the strong southwest winds that accompanied the storm ending on the weekend are likely becoming stubborn to trigger in many areas.

Recent winds have shifted to the east and may form fresh wind slabs on aspects that are generally windward.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 29th, 2022 4:00PM