Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Check for signs of wind slab instability before committing to large features.
Consider the consequences of any fall in steep or exposed terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, west of Smithers, a small (size 1.5) naturally triggered avalanche was reported on an east aspect in the alpine. It was caused by a falling cornice chunk that triggered more snow on the slope below.
On Tuesday there was size 3 natural persistent slab avalanche reported on Hudson Bay Mountain on a northerly aspect in the alpine. It was suspected to be triggered by intense wind-loading. Read this MIN post for more details.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 30 cm of soft, recent snow has buried a widespread crust. Continued moderate to strong winds have likely scoured surfaces down to the crust in most windward terrain while forming deeper deposits of snow in leeward terrain.
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, alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected above 750 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -6 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 8 to 15 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -1 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow and continued moderate to strong winds are making wind slab avalanches more likely.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2024 4:00PM
