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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 28th, 2023–Nov 29th, 2023

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.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Esplanade, Jordan, North Selkirk, West Purcell, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, North Okanagan, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan.

There's enough snow to move around on lower angles at low speed, but it's a minefield of early season hazards out there. Even a small avalanche could be a big problem.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural size two wind slab avalanches were reported in the last week at higher elevations. Little additional activity is expected during this drought.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a mix of surface hoar topping 10-20 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and wind effect in exposed terrain at treeline and above.

A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found 10 to 20 cm above the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. At treeline, depths are between 60-100 cm. Below treeline, this tapers quickly.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear with valley cloud remaining below 2000 m. Southwest or west alpine wind 20-30 km/h. Above freezing layer at 2500 m diminishing.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Becoming cloudy. South alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h/ Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with isoalted flurries continuing from the overnight period. Minimal accumulations. South alpine wind 15-25 km/h. Treeline temperature -7°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • 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

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.