Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 5th, 2019–Dec 6th, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Snow accumulation has varied across the region, with favored areas seeing 15 cm of snow since Sunday. In areas with higher snow totals, wind slabs in alpine terrain are the main concern.

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: Clearing skies, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine temperature -14 C

Friday: Cloudy with periods of sun, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -10 C

Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -11 C

Sunday: Cloudy with periods of sun, no precipitation, moderate northwest winds, alpine high temperature -9 C

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region; however, there is very little information available at this time. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall has been sporadic or has failed to materialize with the last storm system. Since Sunday, areas further north in the region have accumulated 5-15 cm of snow. In these areas, southwesterly winds have been transporting the snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. Depending on location, these slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals, and hard wind-affected snow that may be reactive to human triggering.

Total snow depths are 50-100 cm in alpine areas around Smithers, with depths diminishing rapidly below 1500 m.

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.