Microwave-Sinclair

The softest snow and lowest avalanche danger can be found in terrain sheltered from the wind.

A few natural and skier controlled wind slab avalanches size 1-2 were reported on north to east aspects in the alpine near Kispiox over the weekend.

Loose dry sluffing was reported on steep features at Seaton on Sunday.

If you go into the backcountry, please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network.

A few lightly stormy days have given the surface a bit of a soft refresh. Moderate southerly wind has likely formed deeper deposits on northerly aspects.

This recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces including soft, faceted snow in sheltered terrain and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.

A thick layer of faceted snow sits over a crust and possibly surface hoar buried in late January. This layer has the potential to be very close to the surface, or over 50 cm deep.

A facet/crust layer from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region at this time.

Monday night

Partly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy with trace precipitation. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy 3 to 8 cm of mixed precipitation. 50 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy 5 to 10 cm of mixed precipitation. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature +1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.