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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 27th, 2022–Nov 28th, 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, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Coastal, Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, Howson, Ningunsaw.

85-150 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed large wind slabs that may continue to be reactive to human triggers.

The best and safest riding will likely be in sheltered terrain where recent snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in this region on Saturday, but they likely occurred given the intense snow and wind. Please post your observations to the MIN. (Mountain Information Network)

On Friday, numerous naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported at all elevations in the Terrace region. The majority of these avalanches occurred on wind-loaded aspects (E/NE) at Treeline and above.

Additionally, some very large (up to size 3.5) naturally triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on large alpine avalanche paths in the Bear Pass area.

Snowpack Summary

20-35 cm of new snow on Saturday brings recent snow amounts to 85-150 cm at treeline and above. Strong southwest ridgetop winds have created thick wind slabs on lee aspects.

The recent snow overlies a variety of problematic snow surfaces including facets and crusts.

The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100-200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline where the recent snow fell as rain.

Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear skies / Light east ridgetop winds / Low temperature at treeline -13 C

Monday

Sunny / Light east ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -13 C

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Light northwest ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -13 C

Wednesday

Sunny / Strong northeast ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -16 C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

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.