Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Mar 23 – 24, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 months ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Reactive wind slabs in combination with buried weak layers necessitate simple, low-angled terrain selection.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Up to 30 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed by southwest now shifting to northeast winds.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices are large, looming, and may trigger large persistent slabs on slopes below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    It may be possible to trigger persistent weak layers of crusts/facets or surface hoar in the top 250 cm of the snowpack where there is not a thick crust under the recent snow.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

A fatal avalanche accident occurred north of Terrace on March 22. Available details can be found here.

On Sunday, skiers near Terrace triggered size 1 wind slabs in alpine terrain.

Observations in this region are limited. If you head out into the backcountry, let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Avoid travelling underneath them.

15 to 30 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed by strong southwest shifting to northeast winds. Below the recent snow is either a crust or a wind-scoured hard snow surface.

There are multiple persistent weak layers consisting of crust/facets or surface hoar in the top 250 cm of the snowpack.

The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 4 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
  • Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.

Regions covered