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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 23rd, 2022–Dec 24th, 2022

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

Regions

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

Expect to find new storm and wind slabs, which may not bond well to previous surfaces.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We haven't received any notable avalanche reports during last week's cold spell. Looking forward, storm and wind slab avalanche activity is anticipated to increase with snow, wind, and warm air.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Stormy conditions return, with upwards of 40 cm of snow expected to accumulate between Friday morning and Saturday afternoon. The snow is falling with strong wind from the southeast switching to the southwest, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. All this snow may not bond well to previous surfaces that include small surface hoar crystals, sugary faceted grains, and hard wind-packed snow.

The snowpack is still fairly thin and faceted, with roughly 120 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -10 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 40 to 80 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -8 °C.

Sunday

Early-morning snowfall then a mix of sun and cloud, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.