Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Wind slabs may remain reactive to riders.
Recent avalanches on the buried weak layer bring uncertainty. Stick to low angle, supported terrain, free from overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday a size 2 rider triggered avalanche occurred on an east facing alpine slope. Notably, the avalanche was triggered as a wind slab and stepped down to the buried weak layer. Photo below.
Large avalanches have been observed in several areas, however the timing of them is uncertain - likely they occurred during the storm. Check out this Hankin MIN, and Blunt MIN for more.
Natural activity may have tapered but the snowpack may remain sensitive to human triggering.
Snowpack Summary
20 cm of recent storm snow has been wind affected in exposed areas. A crust exists below 1250 m, with a reportedly poor bond to the recent storm snow.
A weak layer of facets and a crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This has shown reactivity with the new load from wind and snow.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. 20 to 30 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Monday
Partly cloudy with flurries. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect stiffer and deeper deposits of snow on northeast and southeast facing slopes. Watch for steep convex rollovers, ridgetop entrances, and cross loaded features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A widespread crust with facets is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered at treeline and above. Wind slabs may step down to this layer, producing large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3