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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 4th, 2023–Dec 5th, 2023
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
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: Babine, East Stikine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa, West Stikine.

Reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and rollovers will continue to develop. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural avalanches (up to size 2,5) were reported near Ningunsaw, but very limited visibility restricted other observations elsewhere in the region. If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of new snow has fallen over the last few days. Strong southerly winds had likely redistributed it at higher elevations, leaving exposed areas scoured. Under this new storm snow, a weak layer of surface hoar is showing signs of reactivity.

The snowpack remains generally shallow, with early-season hazards just below the snow surface. A weak layer of faceted snow may be present at the base of the snowpack. The height of snow at treeline is approximately 50-100 cm.

Weather Summary

A large and impactful weather system will continue to bring light precipitation and windy conditions to the region. High-freezing levels are expected until mid-week.

Monday night

Light snow/rain; 5 cm. Strong southwest ridgetop winds gusting 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -1 °C. Freezing levels near 1400 m.

Tuesday

Periods of light snow; up to 5 cm. Steady southwesterly winds gusting 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach +2 °C. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -5 °C. Freezing levels at 800 m.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -5 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • 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.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Reactive wind slabs are expected to form as the wind keeps transporting new snow. Rider-trigger is possible around leeward terrain features, especially at treeline, where a preserved layer of surface hoar has been observed.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2