Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Coastal.
A little warmer, but still windy! Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain. There could be potential for wide propagation on large terrain features.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT - Partly cloudy / strong to extreme south east wind / alpine high temperature near -12
SATURDAY- Partly cloudy / strong southerly / highs near -8
SUNDAY - Overcast, possible light snow, strong south wind, highs near -9
MONDAY - Cloudy, flurries, moderate to strong west wind, -8
Avalanche Summary
In the Terrace vicinity, natural wind slabs to size 2 were reported on various wind loaded and cross loaded aspects . Wind slabs were also reactive to human triggering with ski cuts in the size 1-1.5 range.
In both the far north and in the south of the region, a few natural size 3 avalanches from big features occurred.
On Tuesday wind slabs up to size 2 were reported by various operators. The northern part of the region had the biggest reported events with windslabs up to size 2.5 on the late January interface.
On Monday, skiers were able trigger unsupported pillows failing on surface hoar down 25-40 cm near Terrace. In the north of the region, skiers found reactive wind slabs in immediate lee features in the alpine.Â
Snowpack Summary
Continued outflow winds are building wind slabs (where snow is just not sublimating) and reverse loading features. Hard slabs, scoured slopes and sastrugi will be present where outflow effects are the strongest. In more sheltered zones, reactive wind slabs will be found on a variety of aspects and elevations due to terrain effects and the variable wind directions.
Cold temperatures are encouraging surface faceting of the upper snowpack. The late January interface is down 30-70 cm, this consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, a crust on solar features, and facets and stiff wind affected snow at upper elevations. Below treeline, 10-30 cm of snow sits above isolated pockets of surface hoar and a crust that is more prominent on solar aspects.Â
The mid-pack seems to be well settled. Deep persistent layers appear to have mostly become unreactive, with the exception of the Bear Pass area and the far reaches south of Kitimat.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Outflow winds have been redistributing loose snow, building reactive slabs and reverse loading features. Avalanches will be most likely in wind loaded areas where the snow feels stiff or punchy. Note that in some places avalanche hazard may be elevated where winds have penetrated into unexpected places even at lower elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
30-70 cm sits above a buried weak interface that consists of surface hoar, facets, and/ or a crust. As the snow above this layer becomes more consolidated, the likelihood of avalanches may increase. Wind slabs may also cause step down avalanches on this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3