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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2025–Mar 28th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Howson, Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames.

Large avalanches continue to be reported around the region. A complex and reactive snowpack is best managed by choosing simple, conservative terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A significant avalanche cycle occurred last weekend, with very large slab avalanches (up to size 4) failing on multiple persistent weak layers. On Sunday, skiers remotely triggered a size 3 persistent slab near Shames (see photo). Reports of large avalanches to size 3 continued Tuesday and Wednesday, likely triggered by warm temperatures or solar input.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures have produced a crust above 2000 m and higher on solar slopes. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.

Three persistent weak layers are a concern in the snowpack. Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface. Below this, another layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm. Additionally, a layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy. Gusts to 70 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

Friday

Sunny breaks. 30 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Gusty easterly winds will impact any loose snow available.

Aspects: North, North East, South, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack continue to trigger very large avalanches. These layers could be triggered by smaller avalanches, cornice failures, or human activity.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5