Kitimat

As the freezing level falls so will avalanche danger

Use extra caution where a thick surface crust doesn't form

A few natural wind slabs were reported on Monday. These avalanches occurred in the alpine on east and north aspects.

Also on Monday a natural cornice fall was reported on a southeast aspect.. The resulting avalanche was a size 3.

Dry snow may still be found on high north facing terrain. As the freezing level falls a new crust will form on the surface on all other aspects.

Three layers are notable in the snowpack:

• Surface hoar from mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm down.

• A layer of surface hoar from early-March is buried 100 to 150 cm.

• A layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to 1900 m.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to 1100 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.