Storm slabs are expected build throughout the day with continued snow and/or wind.
Choose small, low consequence slopes.
A couple of concerning weak layers exist in the top meter of the snowpack.
Storm slabs could step down to these layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Forecast moderate to strong southwesterly winds may make slabs more reactive on lee north and east facing slopes near ridgetops.
40 to 50 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on top of various snow surfaces. These include small facets and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas, and heavily wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.
Two surface hoar layers can be found in the middle of the snowpack: One down 40 to 65 cm and another down 50 to 90 cm at treeline.
A rain crust from early November is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and seems to be bonding well to overlying layers.
Alpine snow depths vary greatly across the region and from aspect to aspect.
North of Stewart on Wednesday and Thursday, numerous small dry loose avalanches and several size 1 to 2 slabs were observed in the alpine. With more wind and snow in the forecast, large slab avalanches will become more likely.
No new avalanches have been reported near Smithers, but reports have been extremely limited.
If you head to the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Friday Night
Cloudy with 8 to 10 cm of snow in areas near Smithers and 0 to 2 cm north of Hazelton. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10°C.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 15 cm of snow expected near Smithers and 0 to 2 cm north of Hazelton. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.
Sunday
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow expected. 60 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow expected. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3°C. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
