Date issued

Oct 23, 2017 - 8:00 AM

Valid until

Oct 24, 2017 - 8:00 AM

Prepared by

percy woods

Early season conditions exist with ground hazards barely covered.  There is potential for avalanches at and above treeline.

Early Season Conditions
Early Season

Insufficient observations exist to reliably rate the avalanche danger. Expect shallow snow cover with thinly buried rocks and trees just beneath the surface. Avalanche danger often concentrates in gullies and other deposition areas, where windslabs may bond poorly to a weak underlying base. Deeper snow usually exists at higher elevations.

More Early Season Details

Avalanche Summary

We have had several natural avalanches to size 2 off of steep terrain off the north face of Mt MacDonald in the highway corridor in the past week. No reported or observed activity in the back country so far.

Snowpack Summary

Early season snowpack conditions exist. Expect very little in the way of snow below 1600m. 80-100cm at and above treeline. 

Weather Forecast

Possibility of more snow on Wednesday with a mix of sun and cloud the rest of the week.  Freezing levels may rise to over 3000m on Wednesday.

Danger Ratings Explained

1 - Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

2 - Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

3 - Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

4 - High

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

5 - Extreme

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

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