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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2023–Dec 8th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Babine, East Stikine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa, West Stikine.

Fresh storm snow sits on a reactive and widespread layer of surface hoar.

Be cautious around roll-overs, especially in wind-loaded areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of a natural avalanche cycle (up to size 2.5) from the recent storm was reported in the Hudson Bay Range. On Wednesday, debris of wet loose, wind and storm slab avalanches were observed depending on aspects and elevations.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 60 cm of recent snow sits above a large layer of surface hoar. This layer likely exists on all aspects above 1200 m. Below this elevation a crust exists on all aspects.

In general, the snowpack is still shallow for this time of year with snowpack depths at treeline ranging from 50 to 150 cm. Early season hazards are still a concern.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, west alpine wind 25 to 60 km/h, freezing level rising to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow is forming a slab over large surface hoar crystals. This could result in storm slabs that remain reactive longer than usual and could propagate further. Surface hoar is more likely to be well preserved at treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5