Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Apr 21 – 22, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Forecast 15-25 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind will form reactive storm slabs.

Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow and watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    A weak layer buried in late March is down 40-60 cm and exists as surface hoar and facets on north-facing slopes and a crust elsewhere.

    We currently have very limited snowpack observations from this region to aid in determining the likelihood of triggering avalanches on the layer.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Forecast 15-25 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind will form reactive storm slabs.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

A few naturally triggered size 2 wind slab avalanches were reported on steep, northerly aspects in the alpine on Thursday.

Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast 15-25 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind will form reactive storm slabs.

A crust exists up to ridgetop on south-facing slopes and on all aspects up to approximately 1300 m.

A weak layer buried in late March is down 40-60 cm and exists as surface hoar and facets on north-facing slopes and a crust elsewhere.

The mid and lower snowpack is considered generally strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with flurries; 3-15 cm / 60 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 900 m

Saturday

Snow; 10-20 cm, then another 10-20 cm overnight / 70 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m

Sunday

Cloudy with flurries; 5-10 cm / 40 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 1100 m

Monday

Cloudy with flurries; 5-10 cm / 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 1000 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Regions covered