Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2016 3:54PM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

Due to the lack of snowpack and avalanche data, we are currently unable to issue danger ratings for this region. Assess local conditions carefully and use extra caution in wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Snow and strong - extreme winds from the West will persist overnight and into Saturday with coastal regions seeing the brunt of the storm as it tapers by the time it reaches the Interior. The centre of the low will weaken over the Gulf of Alaska while most of the BC coastal regions stay unsettled. An arctic front will push its way towards the BC North Coast on Sunday afternoon and strong outflow winds are expected through coastal inlets during this period. Saturday/ Sunday: Freezing levels valley bottom with alpine temps near -9.0. Trace amounts of new snow and ridgetop winds moderate-strong from the West. Monday: Mix of sun and cloud with alpine temps dropping to -15.0. Ridgetop winds light-moderate from the southeast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days, but observations are currently very limited in this region. Watch for the development of wind slabs. Cracking, whumphing and natural avalanche activity are very good indicators of unstable snow.

Snowpack Summary

New snow combined with strong winds have likely formed touchy wind slabs on lee features. A layer of surface hoar was reported around Hudson Bay Mountain last week, which now likely sits beneath 20-30 cm of settling snow. Wind slabs may be extra touchy above preserved surface hoar. A thick rain crust that formed in early November is now buried 40-50 cm deep, and recent snowpack tests produced sudden results on facets (sugary snow) above this crust. Early season snowpack observations are still limited in the region, but reports suggest the average snowpack depth is 50-90 cm at treeline and 120 cm or greater in the alpine.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong winds will form wind slabs in the alpine and on exposed features at treeline. Wind slabs may be touchy in areas with buried surface hoar.
Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2016 2:00PM