Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Conditions vary considerably depending on elevation and wind exposure. Choose sheltered terrain where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Near Fraser Peak, one large natural avalanche was observed on a steep north aspect on Saturday. The crown was up to 100 cm thick, and it was likely a large wind slab that was released during the previous south flow.

Early season observations are limited. Please post any pictures or information to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

At lower elevations, a few cm of fresh powder is overlying a thick crust near the surface. The snowpack remains shallow, with open creeks, exposed rocks, and other early-season hazards.

In the alpine, reports suggest that much more snow has accumulated during the last stormy weather. On sheltered and planar slopes, up to 75-100 cm of well-settled snow is topped with 15-20 cm of recent powder. A crust is buried anywhere from 0 to 50 cm, depending on your location's wind exposure and elevation. Another thick crust has been reported near the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

A strong frontal system, sweeping up from the south, will keep pushing moisture with snow for Monday-Tuesday along with moderate to strong south winds.

Sunday night

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of snowfall possible. Southwest alpine winds increasing to 50-60 km/h. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Monday

Up to 5 cm of light snow begins early morning, with an additional 10 cm overnight. Moderate southerly alpine winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperature stable near -12 °C.

Tuesday

10-15 cm of light snow. Southerly winds increasing to 75 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

5-10 cm of light snow during the day. Strong southerly winds 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Watch for unstable pockets of wind slabs in leeward terrain features, such as ridge tops, alpine bowls and gullies.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2023 4:00PM

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