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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 5th, 2023–Dec 6th, 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 remain a concern. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous 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

Storm snow has now reached up to 25-40 cm. Strong southerly winds had undoubtedly redistributed it at higher elevations, leaving exposed areas scoured. Under this new storm snow, a weak layer of surface hoar has shown signs of reactivity lately. A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found anywhere from 0 to 50 cm.

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 50-150 cm.

Weather Summary

The large frontal system will continue to track eastward, generating windy conditions. Isolated flurries are expected until Friday.

Tuesday night

Isolated flurries. Steady southwesterly winds gusting 70 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -3 °C. Freezing levels at 800 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -5 °C. Freezing levels lower to valley bottom by night.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwesterly winds gusting 30 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -7 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.

Friday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 45 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -7 °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.
  • 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.