Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland, Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

New snow and strong winds are driving the avalanche danger. Stick to conservative terrain and assess snowfall amounts and wind transport in your local riding area.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new reports.

Natural avalanche activity is likely with incoming snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of forecast snow is expected by Thursday afternoon. Strong southwest winds will likely build thicker slabs on lee slopes. The new snow may have a poor bond to south-facing slopes and areas below 1200â€“1300 m where it sits on a crust.

A persistent weak layer composed of facets overlying a crust is buried 40 to 90 cm deep and may be reactive with the new load from snow and wind.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Snow 10 to 20 cm. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 Â°C. The freezing level drops to the valley bottom.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm. 30 gusting to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 Â°C. Freezing level 900 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 Â°C. Freezing valley bottom.

Saturday

Cloud with sunny periods. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 Â°C. Freezing level valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 25 cm is forecast on Thursday. Fresh storm slabs may be reactive. Strong ridgetop winds will build deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A widespread crust with weak facets overtop is buried 40-80 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered by a heavy load on wind-loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2025 4:00PM