Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Seek out wind-sheltered terrain at treeline and below where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a large (size 2) avalanche was reported at Hankin (photo below, full details in this MIN.)
No other recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations have been very limited.
Snowpack Summary
In alpine and open treeline areas, 15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow sits over a variety of surfaces including facets over a crust, old hard wind slabs, or surface hoar. The surface hoar is most likely to be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
Soft snow and good riding can still be found in wind-sheltered areas.
Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust may be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 35 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -19 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -22 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may step down to deeper layers triggering larger than expected avalanches.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Weak sugary facets overlying a crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers in isolated areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5