Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Kispiox, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Northwest Inland, Stewart, West Stikine.
Choose conservative, low consequence terrain
The snowpack is complex and contains multiple layers of concern
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few size 1.5, explosive triggered, wind slab avalanches were reported on Friday. These avalanches were on northwest aspects at treeline.
No persistent or deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in this region since early last week.
Snowpack Summary
Previous strong northeast outflow wind has scour windward terrain and loaded south and west facing slopes at all elevations. In sheltered terrain 30 to 60 cm of faceted snow overlies a crust and layer of surface hoar from late January.
Another layer of surface hoar was buried near the middle of January and can be found 50 to 100 cm deep.
A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried 150 to 300 cm. This layer remains a concern in this region.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C, potential for temperature inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Up to 1 m overlies a crust and surface hoar layer from mid January. This layer may still be triggerable on slopes where the upper snowpack feels "slabby".
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
Activity on this layer has decreased but if it were triggered the resulting avalanche would be very large and destructive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Strong outflow (northeast) wind has formed wind slabs on A variety of aspects. These remain a concern where the upper snowpack feels "slabby".
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2