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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 22nd, 2024–Nov 23rd, 2024

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

Observations are limited and early-season hazards are abundant.

Take a conservative approach and keep in mind that cold temperatures increase the consequence of any accident or injury.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

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

We expect that strong easterly winds on Friday will have formed stiff wind slabs at all elevations.

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

Snowpack Summary

50 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by strong easterly winds at all elevations.

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 around 100 cm.

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

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow expected. 50 to 80 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with light snowfall. 40 to 80 km/h east ridge top winds. Treeline temperature -22 °C.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with light snowfall. 30 to 60 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • 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.