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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 2nd, 2021–Dec 3rd, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

 Wind slabs at upper elevations are still driving avalanche danger. Be alert as you transition into wind-affected elevations and stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they've had a chance to stabilize. 

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. Flurries up to 5 cm. Strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature around -14 C.

Friday: Mostly Cloudy. 0-5 cm snow expected. Strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature around -14 C.

Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud. Light snow tapering off in the morning. Moderate westerly wind. Alpine temperature around -15 C.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow possible in the afternoon. Moderate westerly wind, becoming light by the evening. Alpine temperature around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanche activity from yesterday. 

In the far south of the region, there is evidence of natural avalanches that occurred during the last storm up to size 2.5. Expect to see more observations from the storm period as people get visibility of terrain.

A few natural avalanches (size 2) were reported over the weekend in the alpine. 

Reports in the region remain limited. If you go out in the mountains, please share your observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network! 

Snowpack Summary

This submission to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) paints a fantastic picture of recent conditions near Smithers.

Around 40 cm of recent snow has likely been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest winds in the alpine, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. This MIN report describes wind transport during the storm above 1500 m. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy to moderate results at interfaces within and beneath recent storm snow. Below 1400 m, expect a surface crust to form over a moist upper snowpack with cool temperatures.

A weak layer of surface hoar may be found around 1 m deep in shady, sheltered areas. Compression failures but no propagation were observed on this layer in recent snowpack tests.

A crust formed in early November exists near the base of the snowpack. There has been some evidence of large avalanches running on this crust. This will be a layer to monitor throughout the season.

Treeline snow depths are estimated to be 100-150 cm.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel 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.