Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2013 7:13AM

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

Peter, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Data is very limited from this region. If you're out in the snow please send us your observations at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: An Arctic ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather over the next week bringing cold temperatures and mainly clear skies to most of the province. Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures are around -10 to -15. Winds are moderate from the North-Northwest. Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures are around -10 to -15. Winds are moderate from the Northeast.Friday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -15 to -20. Winds are strong from the North-Northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Several wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed in the Ashman Ridge area on December 1. These were from wind loaded areas just below ridge crests between 1500 and 1800 m. Expect to find new touchy wind slabs in South and West facing terrain at and above treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Observations from the region are very limited. One recent report from the Ashman Ridge area southwest of Smithers indicates that snowpack depths range from 80-160 cm near treeline. There is around 40 cm of new storm snow that is bonding poorly to the underlying surface. Northerly outflow winds have likely produced new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain, while previous southerly winds formed wind slabs in north and east facing terrain on the weekend. Previous warm temperatures and rain saturated the snowpack below 1200 m and created a rain crust, which is now buried by up to 40 cm depending on elevation. The average snowpack depth in the region is around 60-90 cm at 1200-1400 m elevation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Northerly outflow winds have likely created wind slabs in exposed lee terrain - in areas that may be somewhat unusual. Rider triggering is possible throughout the week.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2013 2:00PM