Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Kispiox, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Northwest Inland, Stewart, West Stikine.
Avalanche danger may rise with warm temperatures. It's uncertain if buried weak layers will become reactive.
Choosing low-angle slopes is a good way to gather info and increase confidence.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Large avalanches failing on the early December weak layers continue to be reported.
On Friday, east of Hazelton a snowcat remotely triggered a large (size 2) persistent slab avalanche.
On Thursday, a few large (size 2-2.5) persistent slab avalanches failed on north and east aspects in the alpine.
Additionally, several natural and rider-triggered wind slabs were reported on Thursday. They were mostly small, but several were large.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 40 cm of soft snow has been redistributed by southwest wind. Scouring exposed areas and loading lee features. In sheltered areas this snow may sit on a layer of weak surface hoar crystals.
Around 100 to 200 cm deep are buried weak layers from December. Consisting of crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar. These layers continue to produce large avalanches.
The lower snowpack is strong with no layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C with a temperature inversion.
Sunday
A mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C with a temperature inversion.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A thin crust along with surface hoar and/or facets buried in early December persists roughly 100 to 200 cm deep. It appears to be of greatest concern in areas with shallow snowpacks and on wind-loaded north or east-facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Wind has come from various directions. Wind slabs may sit on a layer of weak surface hoar crystals and take longer to heal than normal.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5