Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Apr 9 – 10, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow will continue falling throughout the day.

If you are traveling in an area that has more than 20cm of new snow treat the hazard as CONSIDERABLE.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

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

    As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. They can potentially trigger persistent slabs on the slopes below. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards, during the warmest part of the day.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack have recently produced large avalanches. Surface instabilities or large triggers may step down to these deeper layers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Steep, rocky sun facing slopes will destabilize with warming temperatures at lower elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

This past weekend there were reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5.

If you do head out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to25 cm of new snow is present on the surface above 1500 m. A melt-freeze crust is on or near the surface up to 1800 m. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.

Below 1100 m the snowpack is wet with no structure.

Three persistent weak layers remain notable in the snowpack.

  • Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface.

  • A layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm.

  • A layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.

At elevations below treeline, the snow pack is rain saturated and isothermal.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 15cm snow. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
  • 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.
  • The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.

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