Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. Watch for isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 20 km/h wind from the northwest, temperature inversion with alpine temperatures above freezing and dropping to -12 C in valleys.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 30 km/h wind from the southwest, temperature inversion with alpine high temperatures around +5 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, 40 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.

WEDNESDAY: Flurries with trace accumulations of snow, 40-60 km/h wind from the south, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region; however, there is very little information available at this time. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

MIN reports from the weekend describe extensive wind affect at higher elevations, while softer snow can be found in sheltered terrain. Recent wind from the southwest and north has left hard wind slabs near ridgetops and lee terrain. In isolated areas, these small slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow or feathery surface hoar crystals, which could make them reactive to human triggering. Warm alpine temperatures and sunny weather on Monday could also weaken these slabs. Snowpack depths are 50-100 cm in alpine areas around Smithers, with depths diminishing rapidly below 1500 m.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs exist in alpine terrain and may become more reactive to human triggering on Monday due to warm alpine temperatures.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2019 4:00PM

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