Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Stewart, West Stikine.
Avalanche danger will increase with rising freezing levels, strong winds, and steady precipitation. Watch for changing conditions and avoid exposure to overhead terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are very limited at this time of year.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen over the weekend, likely redistributed by strong southerly winds at higher elevations.
A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found under 50-70 cm. The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated with no current layers of concern.
Observations are limited, but a weak layer of facets overlying a crust at the base of the snowpack has been reported. This layer only seems to be of concern in upper alpine terrain in areas with smooth ground cover, such as rock slabs and glacial ice.
Snowpack depths vary from 50 to 150 cm at the treeline. The deepest snowpack is found in the more western/coastal regions.
Weather Summary
A large weather system will move onto the north coast, bringing continued moderate precipitation and windy conditions to the region. Freezing levels are expected to rise to 1000-1200 m.
Sunday night
Snow 10-15 cm. Strong southerly ridgetop winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level steady at 1000 m.
Monday
Snow 5-10 cm with another 10-15 cm overnight. Strong southerly ridgetop winds gusting 70 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level steady at 1000 m.
Tuesday
Snowfall continues 10-15 cm. Southerly wind ridgetop winds gusting 80 km/h. reeline temperatures reach -2 °C. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Light snow 5 cm. Moderate southerly ridgetop winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level steady at 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent and incoming snowfalls will form fresh and reactive storm slabs that may be the deepest and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2