Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Use caution on shallow, rocky slopes in the alpine where triggering a large avalanche is possible.

The best riding will be found in sheltered terrain at lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. However, in neighboring regions, large persistent slab avalanches continue to be observed. Human triggering buried weak layers in shallow snowpack areas remains a concern in this region.

If you are headed into the backcountry please consider making a MIN report with your observations from the day.

Snowpack Summary

Previous moderate to strong northeast outflow wind has heavily impacted the snow surface in exposed terrain at all elevations. In sheltered terrain 20 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a layer of facets and a crust from late January.

A layer of facets and crust from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer remains a concern in shallow, rocky terrain in the alpine.

Check out these two MIN reports, Friday and Saturday for a summary of conditions around Smithers.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.

Tuesday

Sunny. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C, potential for temperature inversion with a high of -7 °C in the alpine.

Wednesday

Sunny. 25 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A weak layer from early December is down 70 to 110 cm. This problem remains a concern for rider triggering in shallow rocky areas in the alpine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2025 4:00PM

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