Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Expect wind slab formation with the arrival of strong southwest winds accompanied by light snow.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported.
We anticipate natural avalanche activity to occur with the arrival of strong winds and new snow.
Snowpack Summary
Expect widespread wind-affected snow surfaces, including firm, scoured surfaces in windward-facing terrain and deeper deposits around ridgelines and on lee terrain.
A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust is buried 30-60 cm in the east of the region and 50-100 cm in the west. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, except in the case of shallow snowpack spots or very large loads like cornice falls.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of snow. Freezing level 1200 m. 60 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 5 cm of snow. Freezing level 1000 m. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect to find reactive wind slabs in lee terrain with strong winds and some new snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2