Early season hazards (rocks, vegetation) lurk under a shallow weak snowpack. Ice climbers are most vulnerable to loose dry avalanches in gulleys and terrain traps where the ice forms. B-Country users are encouraged to carry avalanche rescue gear.
Scramblers, alpine and ice climbers, snow shoers, hikers and riders may all encounter variable windslabs through out the region. Be extremely cautious in terrain traps, and creeks where even a small slide could have dangerous consequences.
New snow and wind will increase frequency of loose dry sluffs in steep, shaded terrain. Thin ice climbs with shallow protection or tenuous run outs increase the likelihood of a long sluff-induced fall when tapping up early season ice.
Expect the current alternation of cold fronts and sunny spells to continue. Watch out for locally fluctuating freezing levels, rain, and sun which may leave crusts - November crusts can linger in the snowpack and cause hazard issues for the whole season.
Avalanche Canada: Early season hazards - Paper
Moderate to intense transport observed in the alpine building wind slabs at ridge top and in open terrain. Overall, expect the snowpack structure to be inconsistent and weak under foot/skis with cold temps promoting facetting in the shallow areas, creek beds and similar type terrain traps.
The snow is sticking around above 1800m but most areas are still below threshold for ski travel. Rideable snow may be found in the Alpine; walking to elevation is likely required, stumps and rocks are concealed and crevasses will be weakly bridged and well hidden. All back country users should consider carrying avalanche safety gear.
