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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2023–Feb 21st, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, West Stikine.

Avoid wind-loaded areas. Fresh reactive wind slabs are expected to form throughout the day as northeasterly winds redistribute yesterday's storm snow.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Stormy weather has limited observations in the past few days, but evidence of a natural storm and wind slab cycle has been observed throughout the region. One notable skier accidental size 2 storm slab occurred in the Shames backcountry on Sunday. See details in the MIN report.

Looking forward to Tuesday, we expect fresh, reactive wind slabs to form in a reverse loading pattern and at lower elevations than you might typically expect. These wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie a crust.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40 cm of new snow has accumulated in the past 2 days. Northeasterly winds are expected to redistribute this new snow into fresh, reactive wind slabs. This new snow overlies last week's 60cm of storm snow and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.

Up to 80cm now sits over a layer of small surface hoar, facets and wind-affected surfaces. Below treeline, a new crust could exist up to 1000m.

A layer of facets and a crust from late January can be found down 100 to 200cm. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally well-settled and right-side up.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with clear periods and flurries, trace to 10 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -8 °C. Ridge wind northeast 25-50 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -9 °C. Ridge wind northeast 25 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Sunny. Alpine temperatures reach high of -14 °C. Ridge wind northeast 25 km/h gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -16 °C. Ridge wind east 25 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Northeasterly winds will redistribute 30-50 cm of recent new snow into fresh, reactive wind slabs. These slabs will form in a reverse loading pattern and at lower elevations than you might typically expect. Wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie a crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3