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 and Loose Dry.

MM, Avalanche Canada

Glacier.

An increased load on the widespread surface hoar & strong to extreme SW winds will elevate the avalanche danger. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making is essential.

The Winter Permit System is in effect. Take the quiz and get your permit.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, one natural size 2 avalanche was observed from the steep terrain of Mt. Macdonald. A field team in the Fidelity area also observed several small, loose surface sluffs running fast out of steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of new snow covers widespread feathery surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep terrain facing the sun. This will be the layer to watch as the new snow piles up!

The height of snow at treeline is around 95cm which is well below average. Many rocks/trees lurk just below the snow surface & coverage on glaciers is thin.

The base of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets.

Weather Summary

A series of storms over the the coming days will bring much needed snow. However, with it comes strong winds & high freezing levels.

Tonight: Trace precip, Low -11Â°C, Mod SW wind

SUN: 13cm, -7Â°C, Strong>Extreme SW, Wind, Fz lvl 1100m

MON: 27cm, -7Â°C, Mod to Strong SW Wind, Fz lvl 1700m

TUES: 26cm, -3Â°C, Mod>Strong SW Wind, Fz lvl 2300m

Terrain and Travel Advice

Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh slabs are building on widespread surface hoar, increasing the potential for wide propagation and larger than expected avalanches. These avalanches might also run further than expected.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Watch out for sluffing in steep terrain especially above cliffs, terrain traps and while crossing runouts.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

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