Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Howson, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Assess steep lines at upper elevations for wind slab.
Wind slabs may be more reactive where they overlie facets or surface hoar.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Several size 1 slab avalanches were triggered by riders on Saturday, 10-30 cm deep, in the alpine and treeline.
If you go into the backcountry, consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed into wind slab by westerly winds. In sheltered terrain this new snow could overlie a layer of surface hoar, Below treeline it overlies a melt-freeze crust.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear with trace amounts of new snow possible, northwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, temperature inversion with -4°C at 1500 m and colder temperatures below.
Tuesday
Mostly clear skies with no new snow expected, northeast alpine wind 15 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.
Wednesday
Clear skies with no new snow expected, east alpine wind 15 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -7°C.
Thursday
Clear skies with no new snow expected, east alpine wind 25 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -7°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may exist in steep, wind-loaded terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5