Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Dec 3 – 4, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Stick to conservative terrain and the storm continues. Rising freezing levels and strong winds will increase avalanche danger as snow..or rain..accumulates.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Up to 40 cm of new snow accompanied by strong southerly winds will form fresh, reactive storm slabs that may be deepest and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain. At low elevations rain or mixed precipitation may create wet avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A size 1 human triggered slab was reported in the MIN yesterday on a northwest facing slope at 1400m.

Reactivity is expected to increase with new snow, wind and rising temperatures on Sunday. Head out with a conservative mindset and look for signs of instability as you travel through terrain.

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

Snowpack Summary

15 to 40 cm of new snow overlies a widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength. In the alpine, this new snow has been redistributed by strong southerly winds.

The mid and lower snowpack appears to be well-bonded, but field observations have been limited early in the season.

The height of snow at treeline is roughly 50 to 100 cm, and decreases drastically at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy overnight with 5- 15 cm of snow possible. Southerly winds 40 km/h. Freezing levels around 500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 10 - 20 cm of snow, southerly wind 50 - 70 km/h. Freezing levels rise towards 1000 m by afternoon, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 10 - 20 cm of snow/rain possible, southerly wind 6-100 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach 0 °C as the freezing level rises to 1400 m by afternoon.

Tuesday

Snowfall continues. Freezing levels return to 1000 m. Treeline temperatures reach -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Regions covered