Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 4th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and rollovers will continue to develop. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 5th, 2023 4:00PM
