Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for new wind slabs developing on Monday as winds increase. Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may seem like an appealing place to get some turns, but this is where avalanches are most likely.

Summary

Confidence

No Rating

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are very limited at this time of year.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures have likely created a moist or crusty snow surface in most places. Dry surface snow may exist in alpine areas and has been redistributed by strong westerly wind.

Total snow depth at treeline is 30-60 cm.

A weak layer of faceted snow may be present at the base of the snowpack. Shallow snowpack depths mean you should be able to dig and check for this layer.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Mostly cloudy with clear periods, southwest alpine wind 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1 C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 3 cm accumulation, west alpine wind 15 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 1300 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation, west alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -2 C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.
  • 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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Increasing winds on Monday may form fresh wind slabs. 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.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2023 4:00PM