Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
New snow, wind and warming will likely stiffen the upper snowpack. Wind and persistent slabs may be reactive to human triggering.
Avoid slopes that feel and look "slabby".
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, the NW Field Team triggered a (size 1.5) slab on an east facing slope at 1740 m.
On Tuesday, a rider triggered wind slab (size 2) at Little Simpsons was reported in the MIN. This occurred at treeline on a southeast aspect.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures, new snow and strong wind are stiffening the upper (40 to 60 cm) of the snowpack, forming a more cohesive slab. Deeper deposits of wind loaded snow can be found at treeline and above on northerly facing slopes. Southerly facing slopes have been scoured by the wind.
This slab sits above a variety of old snow surfaces, including soft, faceted snow in sheltered terrain and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain. This layer is showing reactivity in snowpack testing.
A facet/crust layer from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region at this time.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with a trace of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -1°C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -2. Freezing level 1200 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.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are likely. Wind slabs will be the most sensitive where they overlie facets.
Dry loose avalanches may be seen from steep slopes in wind sheltered terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Concerning weak layers formed in January and February. They exist in the upper 80 cm of the snowpack. New snow, wind and warming will add stress to these layers and may become reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5