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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2023–Dec 24th, 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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames.

Reactivity lingers in wind affected terrain, approach ridgelines with caution.

Uncertainty remains around the buried surface hoar layers. Avoid exposure to open slopes at treeline.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle was reported to size 3 during the last storm. While natural activity has tapered, reactivity likely remains in wind affected terrain.

While observations are limited due to weather, we expect natural activity also occurred on the buried surface hoar layers. The last avalanches reported on the surface hoar were last week, where activity was concentrated to north facing slopes around treeline.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of fresh snow will bury last weeks snowfall which has been heavily redistributed by strong winds into wind slabs on north and east facing slopes. At low elevations, new snow may fall on a crust.

Two buried layers of surface hoar are widespread in the mid snowpack, buried 50-90 cm, and 90-130 cm deep.

The remaining mid and lower snowpack contains several crusts from early in the season that are generally well-bonded to the surrounding snowpack. Snow depths are highly variable depending on elevation, and decrease rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with around 5 cm of snow, southerly winds remain strong 70-100 km/h. Freezing levels around 700 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm. Southerly winds ease slightly, 60-80 km/h. Freezing levels remain around 700 m, and treeline temperatures around -5 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, 15-25 cm for the immediate coast and 5-10 cm for the Terrace area. Freezing levels rise towards 1500 m, treeline temperatures approach 0°C. Southerly winds increase again 60-100 km/h.

Tuesday

Cloudy skies as snowfall continues, light around Terrace and moderate to heavy on the coast. Southwest winds, 60-90 km/h. Freezing levels around 1000 m, treeline temperatures around -3°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Deep deposits of wind affected snow can be found, still triggerable by a riders weight. Expect the deepest deposits in coastal areas and around Terrace where storm totals reached 60 cm.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Two layers of surface hoar have produced recent avalanche activity. The additional load of recent storm snow will stress these layers and increase sensitivity. Avoid sheltered and shaded open slopes at treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3