Avalanche Forecast

Very large storm slab and wet slab avalanches size 2.5-3 were observed during the wet, stormy period earlier this week. On Thursday, smaller loose wet activity was observed out of steep terrain at treeline. These types of avalanches are becoming increasingly unlikely as temperatures cool.

On Friday, reports of avalanche activity were limited to natural wind slabs size 1-1.5 out of north to east east aspects in the alpine.

A moist upper snowpack up to 2000 m, is refreezing into a crust as temperatures cool. In the alpine, the refreeze may be slowed by overlying dry snow; as little as 10 cm near Smithers and and much as 50 cm near the coast. Below 1000 m, the fully rain-soaked snowpack is starting to refreeze.

A variety of previously concerning weak layers buried in January can be found 30 - 80 cm deep. These layers appear to be strengthening and are expected to continue to improve under the current cooling trend.

Friday night

Clear. Northwest ridgetop wind 40-50 km/h. Treeline low around -12 °C. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. Northwest ridgetop wind 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature around -6 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. Northeast ridgetop wind <20 km/h. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Southeast ridgetop wind 40-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.