Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Kispiox, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Northwest Inland, Stewart, West Stikine.
Avoid areas where the wind is actively depositing snow, wind slabs are most reactive as they are forming.
Very large avalanches are a continuing concern in alpine terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, explosive testing produced a few small (size 1) wind slabs.
On Saturday, large (size 2.5) natural wind slab avalanches were observed on west aspects in the alpine. Two very large (size 3) deep persistent slabs occurred on steep north-facing terrain at 1900 m.
Over the past week, three deep persistent avalanches were reported on north and south aspect terrain in the alpine. This hazard remains relevant, especially in steep areas with variable snowpack depth.
Snowpack Summary
Between 30 to 60 cm of light and dry snow is being redistributed by strong north east wind, reverse loading features at all elevations.
A layer of surface hoar was buried near the end of January and can be found between 50 to 90 cm deep.
Buried weak layers from December are 150 to 250 cm deep. These include crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar, and continue to produce large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear. 50 to 75 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 50 to 75 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong outflow (northeast) wind is continuing to actively build wind slabs on south and west aspects.
Aspects: South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Recent new snow overlies a crust and surface hoar. This problem continues to produce natural and human triggered avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The 150 to 250 cm deep weak layer from early December continues to produce large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5