Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Choose terrain that is sheltered from the wind for the best snow conditions, and lower avalanche danger. Fresh snow and and wind make human triggered avalanches possible.
Happy holidays!
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region. We expect those who head into the backcountry will see evidence of a natural avalanche cycle in wind-loaded alpine features from strong overnight winds.
This MIN post paints a great picture of conditions at The Onion on Sunday.
If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Snowpack Summary
Light snowfall continues to refresh the snow surface. Generally strong southerly winds building wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. South facing slopes (windward), have likely been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow. At lower elevations this storm snow overlies a surface crust.
Two different surface hoar layers have been reported in the upper snowpack (expected to be up to 50 cm deep) and appear to be most prominent at treeline and below. Snowpack depths at treeline are 50 to 100 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 12 cm of snow. Strong south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to around 1100 m. Treeline temperature around -1 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, possibly clearing in the afternoon. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected, up to 10 cm north of Smithers. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falls to around 750 m with treeline temperatures around -7 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow expected. Strong to extreme southeast wind. Freezing level drops to valley bottom overnight, rising to 500 m through the day. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy, 3 to 5 cm of snow expected. Southeast winds, 50 to 60 km/h. Freezing level rising to around 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continuing snow and strong southerly winds will keep building wind slabs in leeward terrain at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Buried surface hoar can be found up to 50 cm below the snow surface. It is reported to be deeper and more reactive in the western part of the forecast area.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM
