Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 26th, 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. Due to shifting winds, human-triggerable wind slabs may be found on most aspects.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, near Smithers, a small (size 1) human triggered windslab avalanche was reported below a ridgetop in northeast facing, treeline terrain.
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. At lower elevations a frozen crust may be found in the upper snowpack.
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
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind switching to southeast by the morning. Freezing level falls to valley bottom with treeline low around -7 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow expected. Strong southeast wind. Freezing level rising to 500 m through the day. Treeline high around -2 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy, Trace of snow expected. Strong south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, Trace of snow expected. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1500 m. Possible above freezing layer.
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 southeast winds will keep building small wind slabs in leeward terrain at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, 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 27th, 2023 4:00PM
