Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 28th, 2026–Mar 29th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

A persistent weak layer is capable of producing large, dangerous avalanches.

Watch Conditions Update Video.

The best & safest riding is in wind-sheltered areas in the trees.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

Over the last week, both natural wind and persistent slab avalanches were reported, some triggered by falling cornices. See photos for more details.

In the neighbouring bulletin region, a fatal avalanche accident occurred north of Terrace on March 22, which failed on the persistent weak layer. (More details here.)

Snowpack Summary

Recent variable winds left slabs and wind-pressed surfaces on most terrain at upper elevations.

20 to 40 cm of recent storm snow can be found in wind-sheltered areas. Reports suggest the storm snow is bonding fairly well to previous surfaces.

A persistent weak layer made up of a crust and faceted crystals is buried 100–200 cm deep in the snowpack. Due to its depth, it is difficult to trigger and will likely only fail under specific conditions, such as with heavy loads or in spots with thinner snow coverage, adding a significant degree of uncertainty. This layer has been most reactive from treeline into the lower alpine, particularly on northerly through east-facing slopes.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.