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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 2nd, 2024–Dec 3rd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Columbia, South Okanagan, Shuswap, Dogtooth, West Purcell, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, North Okanagan, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan.

Monitor surface conditions as you travel, especially as you transition into wind affected terrain

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs continue to linger in the region, with reports indicating they are stubborn to rider triggering. On Sunday small slabs were triggered on north and east aspects, at treeline and alpine elevations.

We expect continued winds and mild temperatures to build fresh and reactive wind slabs, likely sensitive to human triggers.

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

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions vary from wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations, and settling snow in sheltered areas that may include a layer of surface hoar buried 5 to 10 cm deep. Warmer temperatures will likely affect the surface snow and may produce a crust overnight.

The mid snowpack is generally well settled, with an early November crust buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer is understood to be more notable in the Selkirk Mountains.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 80 to 150 cm, and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h west/northwest ridgetop wind. The above freezing layer brings treeline temperatures to around 0 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. The above freezing layer brings treeline temperatures to around 0 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. The above freezing layer brings treeline temperatures to around 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.