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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 11th, 2023–Dec 12th, 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.

It's not a very friendly snowpack. Still shallow, full of weak layers, and topped by wind slab. Complicated stuff! Use low and moderately-angled terrain to simplify your risk management.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Other than a few small releases noted in this fantastic MIN report from the Seaton area on Sunday, no recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds. This new snow overlies a weak, feathery layer of surface hoar at 1200 m. Below this elevation it overlies a crust.

Another surface hoar layer is down 40 to 60 cm. This layer could exist on all aspects and at all elevations.

In general, the snowpack is still shallow for this time of year with snowpack depths at treeline ranging from 50 to 100 cm. Early season hazards are still a concern.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mainly clear with valley cloud below 1500 m. Southwest alpine wind 20-30 km/h.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. South alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, increasing. Treeline temperature -5.

Wednesday

Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, easing. Treeline temperature -2.

Thursday

Clearing, with cloud remaining below 1500 m. South alpine wind 30-60 km/h, increasing. Treeline temperature -7°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

30 to 60 cm of previous storm snow is forming a slab over two different layers of large surface hoar crystals. Surface hoar is more likely to be well preserved at treeline but could exist at all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Wind direction has been variable in the past day. Wind slab could exist on all aspects at treeline and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5