Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada dnylen, Avalanche Canada

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Recent snow in the high alpine, and rain at valley bottom have made a mix of conditions. Assess deep snowpack areas carefully and watch for signs of instability, like shooting cracks.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported, but we suspect new snow in the alpine with strong southwest wind produced an active avalanche cycle on Sunday.

If you do head out, do so with a cautious and investigative mindset, and let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 30 cm of snow exists at the treeline and up to 80 cm in the alpine. A crust or moist snow exists on the surface from recent warm temperatures and rain. The alpine snowpack has been extensively wind-affected. A robust crust has been reported near the base of the snowpack.

The snowpack remains very shallow at lower elevations and creeks are open, rocks are exposed, and there are plenty of early-season hazards.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with snow, up to 5 cm accumulation, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Clear with no precipitation, west alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds with light flurries, southeast alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, southeast alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and southwest wind are expected to have formed fresh wind slab. Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may present as an appealing place to get some early-season turns, but they're also the places where avalanches are most likely to occur.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2023 4:00PM