Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A few new small natural and human triggered wind slab and loose dry avalanches have been reported in the region.

Larger avalanches on more deeply buried persistent weak layers were reported last week during a warm spell, like this one in the Telkwa area last Friday. Persistent problems like this one will be slow to change and improve.

If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Ongoing snowfall over recent days has accumulated around 40 cm of fresh snow that is being affected by recent southwest winds. This all sits on a crust from the warming event on January 25th. Some of this new snow has been blown into wind slabs that can be easily triggered on the crust.

The mid and lower snowpack continues to bond and stabilize while a number of buried weak layers remain a concern and have produced a number of large avalanches last week.

Friday night

Flurries up to 5 cm, with higher amounts north of Hazelton. Ridge wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Flurries up to 5 cm. Ridge wind 20-30 km/h from the southwest. Temperature -3 °C.

Clearing. Possible flurries. Ridge wind 40-60 km/h from the west and northwest. Temperature -2 °C.

5-10 cm with possible rain up to 900 m. Ridge wind 40-60 km/h from the west. Freezing level to 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.