Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

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50-100 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will likely be reactive to human triggers; especially in wind-affected terrain at treeline and above.

Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Check out this MIN of a naturally triggered size 3 wind slab avalanche that was reported near Smithers on Friday.

Human triggered avalanches will remain likely at treeline and above on Sunday; especially on wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack Summary

20-35 cm of new snow brings recent snow amounts to 50-100 cm at treeline and above. Strong southwest ridgetop winds have created thick wind slabs on lee aspects.

The recent snow overlies a variety of problematic snow surfaces including facets and crusts. The snowpack below the recent snow is generally shallow and weak.

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

Saturday Night

Clearing skies / Isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Strong northwest ridgetop winds / Low temperature at treeline -12 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

Sunday

Sunny / Light northwest ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -9 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

Monday

Sunny / Light southeast ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -13 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Sunny / Light southeast ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -16 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

50-100 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will likely be reactive to human triggers; especially in wind-affected terrain at treeline and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2022 4:00PM