Avalanche Forecast

On Sunday near Terrace, a natural size 2.5 wind slab avalanche 50 cm deep was observed on a northeast-facing, steep, alpine slope.

On Monday in the Shames backcountry, wind transport was observed in the alpine and a small wind slab was triggered at treeline. This MIN has a full report.

Looking forward to Wednesday, the potential for fresh wind slabs forming at upper elevations continues to be the main concern.

Strong northerly winds are expected to form hard surfaces and redistribute 20 to 50 cm of soft snow into wind slabs in exposed areas.

This overlies previous hard surfaces or a melt-freeze crust that extends up to 1800 m.

The remainder of the snowpack is reportedly strong with various hard crusts. Check out this MIN report describing conditions in the backcountry near Shames.

Snow depths vary throughout the region, ranging from 150 to 300 cm at treeline and tapering rapidly below.

Tuesday Night

Mainly clear with no new snow. Alpine wind northwest 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature dropping to -20 ºC.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny with the potential for isolated flurries. Alpine wind northwest, 30 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature continues to drop below -25 ºC.

Thursday

Sunny with no new snow. Northerly outflow wind, 50 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -30 ºC.

Friday

Sunny with no new snow. Northerly outflow winds easing, 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -30 ºC.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.