Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
There is potential for large avalanches to be triggered, particularly in wind-loaded areas near ridgetops.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Our field team observed a few small wind slabs in the Sinclair area on Wednesday, and several large slab avalanches up to size 2 in the Telkwas on Monday. These all occurred mostly on wind-loaded leeward slopes, with the larger ones failing on the December crust (for more details click the photos below).
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind effect can be found in the alpine and open treeline areas. This includes sastrugi in some areas and hard wind slabs. Recent winds have varied in direction so wind slabs may exist on all aspects. Soft snow can still be found in sheltered lower elevation terrain, and in the trees.
A significant weak layer can be found across the region, buried 30 to 70 cm, depending on wind loading patterns. This layer is made of weak facets overlying a hard crust. We expect this layer to persist as a problem, especially as it gets buried deeper.
The remainder of the snowpack is well settled and bonded.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm snow. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A widespread crust with weak crystals overtop is buried 30-70 cm deep. This problem is specific to areas where a cohesive slab has formed over the layer, for example wind-loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5