Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh storm snow sits on a reactive and widespread layer of surface hoar.
Be cautious around roll-overs, especially in wind-loaded areas.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Evidence of a natural avalanche cycle (up to size 2.5) from the recent storm was reported in the Hudson Bay Range. On Wednesday, debris of wet loose, wind and storm slab avalanches were observed depending on aspects and elevations.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
The recent storm left about 25-40 cm throughout the region. Southerly winds had undoubtedly redistributed it at higher elevations in some areas, whereas in others wind transport seemed minimal. Under this new storm snow, a widespread layer of surface hoar has been preserved and shows signs of reactivity on a variety of aspects and elevations.
The snowpack was wet from 1200 m and below on Tuesday and crusty conditions will develop soon if not already.
The snowpack remains generally shallow, with early-season hazards below the snow surface. The height of snow at treeline is approximately 50-150 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, no precipitation, westerly alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperatures reach -10 °C, freezing level falling to valley bottom by night.
Thursday
Increasing clouds, no precipitation, southwesterly alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperatures reach -8 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy, no precipitation, westerly alpine wind 40-60 km/h, treeline temperatures reach -6 °C.
Saturday
5-10 cm of snow, southwesterly alpine wind 60-90 km/h, treeline temperatures reach -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs will remain a concern, especially where a widespread layer of surface hoar has been preserved. Rider-triggering is possible around leeward terrain features, where slabs may be more reactive.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM
