Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames.
Travel in avalanche terrain at higher elevations is not recommended.
Deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, numerous naturally triggered slab avalanches (up to size 2.5) were reported.
Skiers have also reported widespread whumpfing and shooting cracks. As well as remote-triggering wind slabs.
Natural avalanche activity is expected on Wednesday and avalanche terrain should be avoided.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 50 cm of new storm snow has blanketed the region. Strong to extreme west through southwest wind has created widespread wind effect, with deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes. A surface crust may exist up to 1000 m.
Down 50 to 100 cm a layer of surface hoar, facets, or a thin crust exists.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets overlying a crust is buried 120 to 150 cm deep. This layer remains reactive, producing large and dangerous avalanches.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Snow 10 to 20 cm. 30 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Wednesday
Mix rain and snow up to 15 mm. 60 to 90 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud, possible flurries. 25 to 65 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeply buried weak layers and result in very large avalanches.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Watch for newly formed and reactive storm slabs within the new snow. Potential remains for slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
The persistent slab avalanche problem is and has resulted in large to very large avalanches (size 2 to 3). Expect with the increasing snowfall and snow load, this problem will continue to remain likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5