Avalanche Forecast

Low - Due to the number of field observations

An amplifying ridge of high pressure will deflect weather systems to the northwest and cause them to weaken as their low centres brush Haida Gwaii. Light to moderate precipitation will stretch from Bella Coola northwards through the Northwest Coastal ranges with freezing levels peaking between 1500 and 1700 m Saturday afternoon through Sunday for areas such as Shames. The weakening low on Saturday will spread light precipitation onto the Northwest Inland ranges by Saturday night.SATURDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 800 m, strong south/southwest wind, trace of precipitation possible.SUNDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 900 m, moderate to strong south/southwest wind, trace of snow possible.MONDAY: Temperature inversion with cold (below freezing) air in the valleys and above freezing temperatures between 1300 and 1800 m, Overcast, light to moderate south/southwest wind, trace of precipitation possible.TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light south/southwest wind with moderate gusts at ridgetop, no significant precipitation expected.

No recent activity has been reported.Several human triggered storm slab avalanches to size 2 were reported on Thursday at treeline and below treeline. A few of these were remotely triggered (triggered from a distance).Field observations are limited in this region, tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

25-50 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh slabs.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.