Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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
Expect to find human triggerable wind slabs, even at low elevations. They may be more reactive if they form on weak, sugary facets above a crust. Below treeline, there may not be enough snow to avalanche, but wind-loading could change that.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
