Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Boundary, East Stikine, Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Ningunsaw, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, West Stikine.
As the recent storm snow settles, the risk of both natural and human-triggered avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes will increase throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a variety of avalanches were reported following the recent storm. These include natural loose wet avalanches at lower elevations and natural or skier-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches at higher elevations. All the reported avalanches were relatively small, none exceeding size 2.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 40 cm of recent snow has buried a widespread crust in all but sheltered, north-facing slopes where isolated pockets of surface hoar and/or faceted grains may exist below the new snow.
Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, high alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. 0 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm and wind slab avalanches remain a concern following the recent storm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5