Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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Check for signs of wind slab instability before committing to large features.

Consider the consequences of any fall in steep or exposed terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, west of Smithers, a small (size 1.5) naturally triggered avalanche was reported on an east aspect in the alpine. It was caused by a falling cornice chunk that triggered more snow on the slope below.

On Tuesday there was size 3 natural persistent slab avalanche reported on Hudson Bay Mountain on a northerly aspect in the alpine. It was suspected to be triggered by intense wind-loading. Read this MIN post for more details.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of soft, recent snow has buried a widespread crust. Strong winds earlier this week 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

Saturday Night

Mostly clear. 1 to 3 cm of snow expected, possible hotspots of up to 15 cm. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow expected above 900 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 5 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be found in steep, exposed terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2024 4:00PM

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