Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.
New snowfalls and wind will continue to build small and reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and rollovers. Choose sheltered slopes where the recent snow has not been wind-affected.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are very limited at this time of year.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow has fallen over the weekend, likely redistributed by strong southerly winds at higher elevations.
The snowpack remains generally shallow, with early-season hazards just below the snow surface. A weak layer of faceted snow may be present at the base of the snowpack.
The height of snow at treeline is approximately 30 to 50 cm.
Weather Summary
A large weather system will move onto the north coast, bringing continued light precipitation and windy conditions to the region. Freezing levels are expected to rise to 1000-1500 m.
Sunday night
Light snow/rain; 5 cm. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -4 °C. Freezing levels around 1200 m.
Monday
Light snow/rain; 10-15 cm. Strong southwest ridgetop winds gusting 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -1 °C. Freezing levels rise to 1400 m over the day.
Tuesday
Cloudy, snowfall tapers off. Steady southwesterly winds gusting 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach +2 °C. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate southwesterly winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach -5 °C. Freezing levels at 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactive wind slabs in leeward terrain features, such as ridge tops, alpine bowls and gullies. Rider-trigger avalanches are expected to be more likely as the new snow accumulates.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5