Avalanche forecast

Brazeau

Dec 4 – 5, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

The avalanche hazard will likely hold steady for one more day, before rising significantly Monday evening and into Tuesday with the incoming storm.

Early Season Conditions persist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Forecast strong winds and snow could lead to the development of reactive wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features. These small avalanches also have to potential to initiate a deep persistent slab, and create a larger avalanche.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    The snow pack is very weak and faceted, particularly near the ground. We expect this problem to "wake up" and become more active as the load from the forecast snow and wind increases.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of new snow now overlies the December 2nd interface, which consists of surface hoar up to 10mm, a thin sun crust on south and west aspects, and facets. Moderate to strong winds continue to redistribute snow at tree line and above. The snowpack is generally between 25-45cm in depth with a faceted base.

Weather Summary

An unsettled westerly flow across the region will lead to cloudy conditions and scattered flurries through Monday. Trace accumulations of new snow and strong westerly winds are anticipated.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available from Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.

Regions covered