Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart.
Stormy weather is over, but be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspects, and exposure to wind. Keep choosing conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural cycle occurred at treeline and below on southeast slopes throughout the region, where numerous wet avalanches were reported. Many dry loose triggered several large storm slabs and one very large (size 3) near Bear Pass.
Wind slabs and storm slabs were reactive to rider traffic on northerly slopes, as avalanches up to size 1.5 were triggered on a wind-loaded feature at treeline around 1300 m. They likely failed on the widespread crust up 50-100 m deep.
Snowpack Summary
The recent storm left 50-80 cm of storm snow in the region, which has rapidly settled with mild temperatures on Tuesday. The snowpack is moist or wet from 1200 m and below. Crusty conditions are expected at these elevations, if not already.
In the alpine, strong southerly winds have redistributed this storm snow. A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found down 60 to 90 cm at 1600 m and below. The mid and lower snowpack appears to be well-bonded, but field observations have been limited early in the season. The height of snow at treeline is roughly 100-170 cm, and decreases drastically at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy, scattered flurries, southwesterly alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperatures near -6 °C. Freezing levels falling to valley bottom by night.
Thursday
Cloudy, scattered flurries, southwesterly alpine wind 25 km/h, treeline temperatures near -6 °C, freezing levels at valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy, isolated flurries, southwesterly alpine wind 40-60 km/h, treeline temperatures near -6 °C, freezing levels at valley bottom.
Saturday
Moderate snow 10-15 cm, southeasterly alpine wind 70-90 km/h, treeline temperatures near -3 °C, freezing levels rising to 1000 m.
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.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are likely to remain reactive to riders around leeward and cross-loaded terrain features, especially near ridge tops and roll-overs. Loose-dry avalanches are also likely on steep, unsupported alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5