Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

THURSDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200-1500 m, dropping to near valley bottom overnight

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with flurries starting in the afternoon, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind easing to moderate southeast in the afternoon / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 800 m

SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 800 m

SUNDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / light south wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 800 m

Storm slabs are expected to be reactive on Friday with new snow and strong winds creating conditions that are primed for human triggering.

On Wednesday there were several size 1-2 explosive triggered storm slabs and wet loose avalanches reported in the north of the region, somewhat close to the Ningunsaw area.

On Tuesday, a notable natural size 3 persistent slab avalanche was reported on a south to southwest aspect along the Highway 16 corridor between Terrace and Prince Rupert. It is suspected to have failed on the mid-February persistent weak layer. 

There was an ongoing natural avalanche cycle occurring throughout much of the region on Tuesday.

Last weekend a widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred up to size 3 and explosive control initiated numerous size 2-3 storm slabs and persistent slabs.

60-100 cm of recent storm snow blanketed the region over the past week. This was accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds which have formed deep wind slabs on leeward slopes. Massive cornices exist on ridgelines at treeline and in the alpine. 

There is now 100-200 cm over two persistent weak layers that were buried in mid-February and late January. These layers consist of surface hoar in areas sheltered from the wind, and facets that developed during the cold snap. These weak layers have been the cause of several large avalanches in the past week. 

There are currently no layers of concern in the mid and lower snowpack.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.