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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2024–Dec 19th, 2024
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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: Howson, Kitimat, Microwave-Sinclair, Nass, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart.

Strong winds and flurries will build fresh slabs. Expect to find the deepest and most reactive deposits around lee features and open bowls.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, several small (size 1 to 1.5) wind slabs occurred throughout the region, both natural and skier-triggered avalanches were reported. See this Monday MIN

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow rests on a thick rain crust. In some areas surface hoar and/or facets are buried below this surface snow, 10 to 40 cm deep.

Recent and forecast strong winds have varied in direction, so wind slabs may be present on all aspects. These slabs should bond quickly, but may be more reactive where they overlie the weak surface hoar and facets.

The mid and lower snowpack have no layers of concern at this time.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Cloudy with incoming flurries, 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries, 10 to 20 cm of snow. Highest precipitation forecast from Kemano to Shames. 40 to 60 gusting to 80 km/h south-southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Strong, gusty winds and flurries can quickly build fresh slabs. The deepest and most reactive deposits will first form around lee features and open, wind-exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2