Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 21st, 2024–Nov 22nd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies, Sugarbowl, McGregor, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

Early season observations are limited. Make conservative terrain choices as you get familiar with the snowpack, practice your rescue skills, and get your winter legs under you.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Reports of recent avalanches have been limited to a couple small, human triggered slabs on cutbanks.

On Friday, we expect that the wind will form fresh, human triggerable slabs at all elevations.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network)

Snowpack Summary

Around 50 cm of recent snow is likely being redistributed by strong easterly winds from the alpine down to below treeline. Expect wind slabs at lower elevations than usual.

Below this, facets or surface hoar may overly a crust buried in early November.

At the north end of the forecast area, expect to find weak, sugary depth hoar close to the ground.

Treeline snowpack depths are expected to average around 100 cm.

In many places below treeline, ground roughness is still visible, and the snow depth is likely below the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy with no new snow expected. 0-10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with no new snow expected. 40-80 km/h east wind at ridgetop and lower elevations. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 2 - 7 cm of snow expected. 40-70 km/h southeast wind at ridgetop and lower elevations. Treeline temperature - 17 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 2-4 cm of snow expected. 25-50 km/h east wind at ridgetop and lower elevations. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

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.