Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess snowpack depth as you move through terrain. A rider triggerable storm slab will likely be present on slopes that are above threshold for avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in our region.

Please continue to submit MIN reports and support your backcountry community.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent snow could have formed storm slab in the alpine and treeline on terrain features that are above threshold for avalanches. This new snow could overlie surface hoar in sheltered terrain.

At treeline, the height of snow ranges from approximately 50 to 100 cm. Below this elevation, snow height decreases drastically. The snowpack at all elevations is very shallow and contains many potential hazards just beneath the surface.

Read the new Forecaster's Blog for more on the early-season snowpack.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -8°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Tuesday

Increasing cloud throughout the day, around 5 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • 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

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow may have formed a storm slab at treeline and above. Surface hoar could exist in shelterd features at treeline making storm slab more reactive in those areas. The largest slab will likely be found on north/east aspects in the alpine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2023 4:00PM