Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 25th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form at treeline and above as westerly winds increase on Tuesday.

Sheltered terrain features will hold the best riding conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports over the last 3 days suggest limited reactivity of the settling storm snow to riders. As winds pick up from the west, expect more reactive wind slabs to form near ridgelines on east-facing slopes.

On Saturday, small dry loose avalanches were produced from steep and sheltered terrain features, and size 1-2 wind slabs.

Observations remain limited this early in the season. if you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

30-40 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered terrain features, while exposed areas likely hold wind-affected surfaces at treeline and above.

A crust buried in early November can be found buried 50-90 cm deep. In some places, there may be weak facets, or surface hoar above this crust. While this layer is not currently considered problematic as we have not seen test results or recent avalanches on this layer - observations are currently limited and it may become a concern.

Treeline snowpack depths average 80-150 cm. Many below treeline slopes are above threshold to produce avalanches.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies. Westerly winds increasing overnight, reaching 50 km/h at ridgetop. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Strong westerly winds at ridgetop, 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-40 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with snowfall favoring the south, 5-15 cm. 20-40 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Look for wind affected snow near ridgelines and in unsupported terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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