Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Boundary, East Stikine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, Northwest Coastal, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Stewart, Telkwa, West Stikine.
Wind slab and persistent slab activity may be decreasing, but it is not over.Assess your line before committing, and be aware that remote triggering is still possible.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Recent slab avalanche activity was noted in the microwave area on Saturday and around Telkwa on Monday. Field observations have been very limited, if you head out, please consider submitting and MIN.
Snowpack Summary
In alpine and open treeline areas expect high variable surface conditions from exposed crust, 15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow, or large sastrugi. (See photo below) There is significantly more snow as you travel north of Hazelton.
This sits over a variety of surfaces including facets over a crust, old hard wind slabs, or surface hoar. The surface hoar is most likely to be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust may be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Sunny. Southeast switching to northwest ridgetop wind, 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. East switching to southwest ridgetop wind, 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Wednesday
Increasing cloudiness. West ridgetop wind, 15 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with up to 5 cm new snow. Southwest ridgetop winds, 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Cold temperatures and light winds have diminished wind slab properties. Hard slabs remain reactive on the weak layers below. Isolated areas may contain much deeper deposits than anticipated.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
Weak sugary facets overlying a crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers in isolated areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5