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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 6th, 2024–Apr 7th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

Check for signs of wind slab instability before committing to large features.

Consider the consequences of any fall in steep or exposed terrain.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, west of Smithers, a small (size 1.5) naturally triggered avalanche was reported on an east aspect in the alpine. It was caused by a falling cornice chunk that triggered more snow on the slope below.

On Tuesday there was size 3 natural persistent slab avalanche reported on Hudson Bay Mountain on a northerly aspect in the alpine. It was suspected to be triggered by intense wind-loading. Read this MIN post for more details.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of soft, recent snow has buried a widespread crust. Strong winds earlier this week have likely scoured surfaces down to the crust in most windward terrain while forming deeper deposits of snow in leeward terrain.

Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, alpine terrain.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly clear. 1 to 3 cm of snow expected, possible hotspots of up to 15 cm. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow expected above 900 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 5 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.