Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Weak layers exist in the snowpack, and conditions are primed for human triggering. Use extra caution around sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a natural wind slab (12 hours old) was observed in a zone called the Onion. This released on a north aspect at 1650 m.
On Thursday, the NW Field Team triggered a (size 1.5) wind slab on an east-facing slope at 1740 m. The crown was 40 cm thick, 50 m wide and ran 100 m. It ran on the faceted layer below.
Wind-loaded slopes at upper elevations are most suspect and may be primed for human-triggered slab avalanches through the weekend.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom overnight.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -1. Freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures 0. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Reactive weak layers from January and February exist in the upper 80 cm of the snowpack. New snow, wind, sun, and warming could all add stress to these layers, and human triggering remains a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are likely. Wind slabs will be the most sensitive where they overlie facets.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2