Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 3rd, 2023–Dec 4th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Regions

Jasper, Churchill, Fryatt, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

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.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed in this region in the past week.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm 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 20-30cm 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.

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.