Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 29th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Be cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain. Northerly outflow winds may form fresh wind slabs in atypical areas.
Cold temperatures, short days, and early season hazards should factor into your trip planning. Be prepared for an emergency and leave yourself plenty of daylight to get home safely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend, recreationalists in White Pass observed reactive wind slabs on a variety of aspects as winds shifted from southwest through to north. Check out this MIN report for an example.
Looking forward to Wednesday, northerly winds may continue to form new, fresh wind slabs in lee areas. Watch for wind slabs on all aspects, but expect freshly formed slabs to be the most reactive.
Thank you for all the great Mountain Information Network reports over the weekend. They are beneficial to us in the early season when we have limited information and data sources. Please keep them coming!
Snowpack Summary
A thin, early season snowpack exists. An average of 65 to 85 cm can be found at treeline in White Pass. The upper snowpack has been heavily wind-effected, with hard wind slabs found on a variety of aspects. Upwards of 100 cm may exist in wind-loaded areas.
The lower snowpack consists of soft, sugary facets and a crust near ground level.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night
Clearing. Northeasterly winds 50-90km/h. Treeline temperature low of -28 C.
Wednesday
Increasing cloud cover. Northerly winds 30-60 km/h. Treeline temperature reaching a high of -20 C.
ThursdayCloudy with snowfall, 5 cm accumulation. Northerly winds increasing in the afternoon to 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperature reaching a high of -18 C.
FridayPartially cloudy, light snowfall. Northerly winds 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature reaching a high of -20 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are most likely on south and west-facing slopes, but due to shifting winds, can potentially be found on all aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 30th, 2022 4:00PM
