Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 27th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may present as an appealing place to get some early-season turns, but they're also the places where avalanches are most likely to occur.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Last Thursday, a human-triggered size 1 was reported near Invermere at treeline on a west-facing slope. This avalanche failed on the facets at the base of the snowpack.
Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏
Snowpack Summary
Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack.
Surface hoar growth has been reported in some areas. A sun crust can be found on some steep south and west-facing slopes. In the alpine and on exposed treeline features, a mix of wind scouring and loading can be found from previous southwest winds.
A crust with facets or depth hoar exists at or near the ground, which has produced avalanches in the East Purcells and nearby Kananaskis Country. The snowpack is shallower than average for this time of year with depths at treeline ranging from 20 -50 cm, and tapers rapidly below.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Clear periods, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Valley cloud in many areas, clear above, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C with an alpine temperature inversion.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, south alpine wind 5 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind-loaded snow sitting atop a weak, facetted lower snowpack may be found at higher elevations, primarily in east facing terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 28th, 2023 4:00PM
