Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Watch for fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at upper elevations.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no new avalanche observations since Thursday when a small (size 1) wind slab was triggered by a sledder in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
10-30 cm of new snow has been redistributed by wind at upper elevations. It sits over weak, faceted snow in most areas and may be slow to bond.
Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust are buried 20 to 50 cm deep.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Weather Summary
An upslope effect associated with the passing front will bring snowfall to the eastern slopes tonight.
Sunday night
5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h ridgetop wind switching from west to east. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing a trace of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
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.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The freshest wind slabs may be found in atypical terrain features due to reverse-loading of new snow by east winds. Wind slabs may be especially reactive where they sit over a variety of weak grain types and/or hard surfaces.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5