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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 4th, 2023–Dec 5th, 2023

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

Regions

Northwest Inland, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, Ningunsaw, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

Reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and rollovers will continue to develop. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.

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

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.