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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 23rd, 2024–Mar 24th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Babine, Hudson Bay, Kispiox, Microwave-Sinclair, North Bulkley, Northwest Inland, South Bulkley, Telkwa.

Back off sun affected slopes as snow becomes wet and slushy.

While dry snow may remain on north facing alpine features, weak layers are possible to trigger here.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Friday. Widespread wet avalanche activity occurred previously during the warmer temperatures (photo below). Smaller wet avalanches may continue with sunshine and warm temperatures.

Whumpfs (a collapse of the buried weak layer), and test results still indicate that triggering the persistent weak layer is possible in specific features.

If you head into the backcountry, please submit your observations or photos to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

A thick melt-freeze crust sits on the surface in most areas, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where dry snow may still exist. This crust may soften throughout the day at lower elevations and south-facing slopes.  At lower elevations, the snow below the crust is likely moist or wet to ground. 

A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust, remains a lingering concern for human triggering at upper elevations, buried 30-60 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear skies with light and variable wind. Freezing levels remain around 1500 m in the Kispiox area, and fall to valley bottom elsewhere.

Sunday

Sunny. 10-20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4°C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Monday

Sunny with afternoon cloud. 20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10-20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The potential for wet avalanches will increase throughout the day with warm and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain. Avoid sun affected terrain as the surface crust breaks down.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Triggering remains possible at higher elevations, with greatest concern for north facing alpine slopes. Minimize your exposure here.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5