Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, East Stikine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Nass, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa, West Stikine.
Check for signs of wind slab instability before committing to large features.
Consider the consequences of any fall in steep or exposed terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday and Monday, north and west of Smithers, small loose avalanches, cracking of the surface snow around skis, and a small, human triggered storm slab avalanche were all reported. This was occurring in recent, soft snow over a hard crust.
Looking forward, small instabilities like this aren't too concerning without increased loading from new snow or wind.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Snowpack Summary
20 to 40 cm of soft, recent snow has buried a widespread crust. Continued moderate to strong winds have likely scoured surfaces down to the crust in most windward terrain while forming deeper deposits of snow in leeward terrain.
Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 0 to 1 cm of snow expected. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected above 750 m. Light to moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -2 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate south wind overnight easing off through the day. Treeline high around -1 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light variable wind in the morning, increasing to moderate southwest through the day. Freezing level around 750 m in the north end of the forecast area, and 1500 m in the south end.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible in alpine and open treeline terrain, especially below ridgecrests and in cross-loaded features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2