Avalanche Forecast

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

A brief period of high pressure will bring a mix of sun and cloud to the region on Thursday and Friday. Ridgetop wind will be strong from the southwest with freezing levels as high as 1100 m. The next frontal system is expected this weekend bringing new snow, strong to extreme winds and rising freezing levels near 1500 m.

No new avalanches reported on Wednesday.

A wind slab avalanche likely stepped down to the weak faceted grains described in the snowpack summary, forming a large avalanche near Smithers within the past few days.

Data in this region is very sparse. Please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network; even just a photo of your day helps. Thank you to those that have already submitted this winter.

Up to 15 cm of new snow and strong wind from the southwest have built the freshest wind slabs on the northeast facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Older wind slabs may still be found on other slopes from the East winds early this week. These slabs may overly a melt-freeze crust from early December, which may have weak and sugary faceted grains growing around it.

At the base of the snowpack sits the early-November crust with weak faceted grains below. These faceted grains have formed large avalanches in both the south and north of the region within the past week.

Snowpack depths vary substantially with aspect, elevation, and wind exposure. Below treeline the terrain may still be below the threshold for avalanches. 

• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.