Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 27th, 2023–Nov 28th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Esplanade, Jordan, North Selkirk, West Purcell, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, North Okanagan, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan.

Early season hazards are the main concern in this shallow snowpack. It's a great time to brush up on your rescue skills, check your gear, and do some snow dances!

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural size two wind slab avalanches have been reported in the last week at higher elevations.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Snowpack Summary

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. At treeline depths are between 60-100 cm. Below treeline, snowpack depths taper off quickly.

Surface conditions are variable. Surface hoar growth has been reported in many areas. A sun crust can be found on steep south and west-facing slopes, and wind effect exists on exposed terrain at treeline and above.

A crust with facets below exists 10 to 20 cm above the ground.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with clear periods, no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Valley cloud in many areas, clear above, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C with an alpine temperature inversion.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods, no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, south alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.