Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Watch for the crust breaking down with strong sun and warm days.
The search for dry snow may draw you to north facing alpine terrain, be aware buried weak layers may remain reactive here.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. Widespread wet avalanche activity occurred previously during the warmer temperatures (photo below).
Whumpfs (a collapse of the buried weak layer), and test results still indicate that triggering the persistent weak layer is possible in specific features.
If you go into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A thick melt-freeze crust sits on the surface in most areas, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where dry snow may still exist. This crust may soften throughout the day at lower elevations and south-facing slopes. Â At lower elevations, the snow below the crust is likely moist or wet to ground.Â
A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust, remains a lingering concern for human triggering at upper elevations, buried approximately 30 to 60 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom.
Saturday
Sunny. 20-30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 1500 m. Overnight refreeze expected.
Sunday
Sunny. 10-20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2°C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m. Overnight refreeze expected.
Monday
Sunny with afternoon cloud. 10-20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The potential for wet avalanches will increase throughout the day with warm and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain. Avoid sun affected terrain as the surface crust breaks down.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Uncertainty remains on how quickly these slabs will gain strength with cooler temperatures. Triggering is thought to be most likely on north facing alpine features. Minimize your exposure here.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5