Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, West Stikine.
Continue to make conservative terrain choices. Ongoing wind and precipitation will keep the wind slab problem reactive.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several small skier triggered wind and storm slab avalanches were reported in the region yesterday. These avalanches were on lee features in wind effected terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30cm of new storm snow sits over a layer of small surface hoar, facets and wind effected surfaces. Below treeline a new crust could exist up to 1000m. On north and east aspects at treeline and above recent storm snow has formed wind slabs and large cornices.
A layer of facets and a crust from late January can be found down 100 to 200cm. Below this layer the snowpack is generally well settled and right side up.
Check out this MIN from our field team for more details.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 15cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong west winds and temperatures at 1500m around -4
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with flurries bringing up to 5cm of new snow. Moderate to strong westerly winds and a high of -4 at 1500m.
Sunday
Stormy with 5 to 50cm of new snow expected. Strong southwest winds and a high of -4 at 1500m.
Monday
Stormy with up to 20cm of new snow expected. Light northwest winds and a high of -5 at 1500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
South through west winds with snowfall will build wind slabs on north and east aspects at treeline and above. Cross loading could exist on all other aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5