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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 9th, 2023–Dec 10th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Northwest Coastal, Boundary, Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, Howson.

Use extra caution at treeline.

There is some uncertainty in the distribution of buried surface hoar. In areas where surface hoar exists it is most likely to be preserved at treeline.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 natural wind slab avalanches were reported in the north of the region. These avalanches were in the immediate lee of ridge features.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow will have formed storm slab. The largest slabs will be found on north and east aspects in the alpine. This new snow will overlie large surface hoar at treeline and a crust below treeline.

check out this great MIN from Shames.

The mid pack contains several crusts from November. In general, the mid pack is well settled. The height of snow at treeline is around 150 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow expected, west alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Sunday

Mostly clear with trace amounts of new snow expected, northwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, freezing level rising to 1000 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level falling to 600 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 80 km/h, freezing level rising to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.