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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 29th, 2022–Nov 30th, 2022

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, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

Be cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain. Easterly outflow winds have started to form fresh wind slabs in unusual areas and at lower elevations than is typical.

Cold temperatures, short days, and early season hazards should factor into your trip planning. Be prepared for an emergency and leave yourself plenty of daylight to get home safely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend, A MIN report from the Babines shows a skier-triggered wind slab avalanche that occurred on a south aspect at treeline.

Another MIN from Sunday has photos of wind slab avalanches that likely occurred during the storm on Saturday.

Looking forward to Wednesday, we expect northeast outflow winds to form fresh wind slabs on south and west-facing slopes. These wind slabs will be in atypical areas that are usually windward, which may take riders by surprise.

Thank you for all the great Mountain Information Network reports! They are beneficial to us in the early season when we have limited information and data sources. Please keep them coming!

Snowpack Summary

Last week's storm delivered 50-100 cm of snow and strong southwest ridgetop winds. Thick, wind-loaded areas and large cornice growth were observed at treeline and above.

Over the past 2 days, strong easterly outflow winds and cold temperatures have started to stiffen the upper snowpack and strip windward, easterly aspects. In areas where the storm snow remains loose and powdery, these winds may redistribute it into fresh wind slabs.

This recent new snow overlies a variety of potentially problematic snow surfaces including sugary, faceted snow, and a crust at low elevations and solar aspects.

The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies from 80-140 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline.

Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

A mix of sun and cloud, light snowfall with up to 1 cm accumulation. Easterly outflow winds increasing to 50-80 km/h. Temperatures dropping to -27 C at treeline.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny. Easterly winds 40-80km/h. High temperature at treeline -25 C.

Thursday

Partially cloudy. Light variable winds. Temperatures rising, high temperature at treeline -13 C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. Easterly winds 40-60km/h. High temperature -16 C at treeline.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

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.