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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 17th, 2023–Feb 18th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Northwest Coastal, Kitimat, Nass, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart, Howson, Ningunsaw.

Continue to make conservative terrain choices. Ongoing wind and precipitation will keep the wind slab problem reactive.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several small skier triggered wind and storm slab avalanches were reported in the region yesterday. These avalanches were on lee features in wind effected terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new storm snow sits over a layer of small surface hoar, facets and wind effected surfaces. Below treeline a new crust could exist up to 1000m. On north and east aspects at treeline and above recent storm snow has formed wind slabs and large cornices.

A layer of facets and a crust from late January can be found down 100 to 200cm. Below this layer the snowpack is generally well settled and right side up.

Check out this MIN from our field team for more details.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 15cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong west winds and temperatures at 1500m around -4

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with flurries bringing up to 5cm of new snow. Moderate to strong westerly winds and a high of -4 at 1500m.

Sunday

Stormy with 5 to 50cm of new snow expected. Strong southwest winds and a high of -4 at 1500m.

Monday

Stormy with up to 20cm of new snow expected. Light northwest winds and a high of -5 at 1500m.

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.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.