Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, East Stikine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, Ningunsaw, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa, West Stikine.
Reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and rollovers will remain a concern. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural avalanches (up to size 2,5) were reported near Ningunsaw, but very limited visibility restricted other observations elsewhere in the region. If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow has now reached up to 25-40 cm. Strong southerly winds had undoubtedly redistributed it at higher elevations, leaving exposed areas scoured. Under this new storm snow, a weak layer of surface hoar has shown signs of reactivity lately. A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found anywhere from 0 to 50 cm.
The snowpack remains generally shallow, with early-season hazards just below the snow surface. A weak layer of faceted snow may be present at the base of the snowpack. The height of snow at treeline is approximately 50-150 cm.
Weather Summary
The large frontal system will continue to track eastward, generating windy conditions. Isolated flurries are expected until Friday.
Tuesday night
Isolated flurries. Steady southwesterly winds gusting 70 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -3 °C. Freezing levels at 800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -5 °C. Freezing levels lower to valley bottom by night.
Thursday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwesterly winds gusting 30 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -7 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Friday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 45 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -7 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are expected to remain reactive as the wind keeps transporting recent storm snow. Rider-trigger is possible around leeward terrain features, especially at treeline, where a preserved layer of surface hoar has been observed.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2