Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid steep wind-loaded slopes near ridgetops. The best riding and lowest hazard will be in sheltered terrain with no wind-affect.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, cracking and a small size 1 slab avalanche were observed on a steep, wind-loaded southwest aspect at treeline on Hudson Bay Mountain. Check this MIN for further details

Early season reports have been extremely limited. Please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of new snow is covering older wind-affected surfaces. Recent moderate to strong southeasterly winds have created wind slabs on many lee slopes. A rain crust from early November is buried 40 to 90 cm deep and seems to be bonding well to overlying layers. Alpine snow depths vary across the region, with up to 130 cm west of Smithers and around 60 cm to the east.Many areas below treeline do not have enough snow to meet the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. 25 km/h east wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h southerly wind. Treeline temperature -12°C

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 40 km/h west wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent southeasterly winds have built wind slabs on leeward slopes. It's a good idea to investigate how well the windblown snow has bonded before entering committing terrain.

Aspects: North, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2024 4:00PM

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