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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 12th, 2022–Dec 13th, 2022

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

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, McBride, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Assess for pockets of consolidated wind slabs near ridge features and high points. Head to areas sheltered from the recent wind for the best riding conditions.

Plenty of early season hazards, such as buried rocks and tree stumps still exist.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days in the region.

Please continue to share any observations of photos on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of snow received last week has been redistributed into isolated pockets of windslab in wind exposed terrain at higher elevations. In sheltered areas, with no recent wind effect, loose dry snow can still be found.

The mid and lower snowpack generally consists of sugary faceted, weak snow.

Snowpack depths are highly variable, ranging from 80-180 cm in the alpine. Below treeline the snowpack is thin and generally below the avalanche threshold, making it a challenge to access terrain in many areas without damaging your sled or skis.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. No precipitation is expected. Light westerly winds in the lower alpine. A temperature inversion in the alpine with temperatures ranging from -5 to -15 C and colder at lower elevations.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries in the afternoon. Moderate westerly winds and temperature -5 to -10 C in the lower alpine.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with no new snow expected. Moderate westerly winds and temperature -5 to -10 C in the lower alpine.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with no new snow expected. Moderate westerly winds and temperature -5 to -15 C in the lower alpine.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.