Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 29th, 2026–Mar 30th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

A persistent weak layer remains a notable concern.

Sticking to low-consequence terrain is recommended.

The best & safest riding will be in wind-sheltered areas in the trees.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

Over the last week, naturally triggered wind and persistent slab avalanches were reported. Some were triggered by falling cornices. See photos for more details.

Field observations have been very limited over the last few days. If you are heading to the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds left slabs and wind-pressed surfaces on most terrain at upper elevations. Sun-affected slopes likely have a new surface crust.

20 to 40 cm of soft snow from last week remains in wind-sheltered areas. Reports suggest this snow is bonding fairly well to previous surfaces.

A persistent weak layer made up of a crust and faceted crystals is buried 100–200 cm deep. Due to its depth, it is difficult to trigger and will likely only fail under specific conditions, such as with heavy loads or in spots with thinner snow coverage, adding a significant degree of uncertainty. This layer has been most reactive from treeline into the lower alpine, particularly on northerly through east-facing slopes.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 0 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.