Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 30th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Assess new snowfall amounts as you move through terrain. Rider triggerable wind slab could have formed in alpine gullies and similar features.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
So far this season no avalanches have been reported on the Island.
Please consider filling out a MIN report if you are out in the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25 cm of new snow will overlie a crust at all elevations. In the alpine and upper treeline this new snow could form rider triggerable wind slab on isolated slopes that are above threshold. Think gullies and similar features.
Snowpack height at treeline currently ranges from less than 30 cm at Mt Arrowsmith to around 50 cm in Strathcona Park to 30 cm at Mt Cain. snowpack depths are deeper only in areas where the wind has drifted it in. Below treeline at best there is just a dusting of new snow.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy, trace to 10 cm of new snow expected with highest amounts on west side of the Island, southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, trace to 10 cm of new snow expected, west ridgetop wind 10 to 25 km/h, freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud, trace to 20 cm of new snow by early morning with greatest amounts on the west side of the Island, southwest ridgetop wind 15 to 25 km/h, freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, up to 50 mm of precipitation expected with the greatest amounts on the west side of the Island, south ridgetop wind 35 to 45 km/h, freezing level rising to 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
- Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow accompanied by southerly wind could have formed wind slab in isolated terrain features. These features include: alpine gullies, slopes with smooth ground cover and small bowl features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 1st, 2023 4:00PM
