Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Apr 5 – 6, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Failing cornices have produced large avalanches recently.

Reduce your exposure to overhead hazard during periods of warm temperatures, strong winds, heavy snow or rain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for reactive wind slabs forming on northern aspects.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    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.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend there were reports of wet loose avalanches on southern aspects up to size 1.5.

If you do observe an avalanche, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust has formed on most surfaces. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.

Three persistent weak layers remain notable in the snowpack and have been responsible for recent large avalanches. Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface. Below this, another layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm. Additionally, a layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 mm/cm of rain/snow. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 4 mm/cm of rain/snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 5cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1°C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 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.

Regions covered