Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 29th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Weak layers in the snowpack warrant careful terrain choices and watching for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Since the weekend, several size 1 to 1.5 deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the Invermere area. These 40 cm thick slabs are failing on weak basal snow and have been triggered by both riders and explosives.
No wind slab avalanches have been reported, though wind transport has been observed.
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snow depths are 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Surface snow is being redistributed by wind in exposed areas but remains soft in sheltered terrain.
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. Similar conditions are likely in the South Rockies, though observations are limited.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with 1 to 2 cm of snow in the Purcells. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow in the Purcells. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are possible on steep smooth slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind from the west may have formed wind slabs along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 30th, 2024 4:00PM
