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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 16th, 2024–Jan 17th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Kitimat, Nass, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, West Stikine.

Terrain that is sheltered from the wind will hold the best riding conditions and lower avalanche danger.

Dense, wind-affected snow may be found even at low elevations due to outflow winds.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, several small to large (size 1-2) natural and rider triggered avalanches were reported. Wind slab and dry loose avalanches in steep alpine terrain were the most common, but some occurred below ridgetops or convex rolls at lower elevations.

Over the weekend, a couple riders were surprised by windslab avalanches below treeline.

As moderate atypical winds continue from the north and east, reactive wind slabs may continue to form on south and west aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent variable winds mean that wind slab could be found on all aspects. Expect to find loose, sugary snow (facets) underneath these wind slabs, or on the surface in sheltered areas.

In sheltered areas, about 20 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of surface hoar and a crust below 1700 m.  

Near Stewart and Ningunsaw, a poorly-bonded crust about 100 cm deep may act as a weak layer.

Elsewhere, the remainder of the snowpack is reportedly strong with various hard crusts.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear. No new snow expected. Moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -12 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature falling to around -16° C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate east or southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -16 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C with possible temperature inversion.

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.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Rider triggerable wind slabs may be found on all aspects.

Near Stewart and Ningunsaw, wind slabs could fail on a buried crust, up to 100 cm deep. This is most likely in alpine areas with a shallow snowpack; like south slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2