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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 17th, 2022–Dec 18th, 2022

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

Regions

Northwest Inland, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs in places you might not expect them.

If you're getting out in the cold, remember that freezing temperatures make for higher consequences.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in this area recently. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report, as it helps to strengthen our data gathering.

Snowpack Summary

The region received 10-15 cm of snow Saturday. This new snow overlies a highly wind-affected surface, including a wide variation in snowpack depths. Exposed alpine areas have been scoured, while lee slopes can see 150 cm.

In sheltered areas at treeline, a layer of surface hoar crystals is found down 20 to 30 cm. Although this layer has not been producing avalanches recently, reverse-loading may increase the likelihood of triggering.

The snowpack is somewhat shallow but, for the most part, settled and well consolidated with no layers of concern being reported.

Weather Summary

An arctic front is sliding throughout the region. Gusty northerly winds and cold temperatures will persist into next week.

Saturday night

Partly cloudy. Isolated flurries. Easterly wind at 30 km/h and up to 50 km/h in the high alpine. Temperatures dropping to -15˚C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and clouds. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -24˚C

Monday

Mostly clear. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 30 km/h. Temperatures steady around -26˚C

Tuesday

Mostly clear. No precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -28˚C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

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.