Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
Be aware of overhead hazards, like cornices and large slopes.
Reduce your exposure during the heat of the day, when it is windy, and when new snow or rain are in the forecast.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several cornice triggered avalanches were reported in the past week.
If you do observe an avalanche, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Variable wind-affected snow covers open terrain at upper elevations. A crust is found up to 2000 m and higher on solar slopes.
Three layers of concern currently exist in the upper-mid snowpack. Surface hoar and a crust that formed in mid-March can be found 30 to 70 cm below the snow surface. Below this, another layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 60 to 100 cm. Additionally, a layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 120 to 200 cm deep.
The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated, and there are no current concerns.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Facets and/or surface hoar buried 40 to 80 cm deep are most prominent at upper elevations where no surface crust has formed. Surface instabilities or large triggers may step down to these deeper layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. They can potentially trigger persistent slabs on the slopes below. Evidence of recent cornice falls has been reported in the region.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5