Avalanche forecast

Kitimat

Jan 27 – 28, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

It's uncertain if warm weather will cause weak layers in the snowpack to become reactive.

Take a conservative approach until conditions are clear.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect to find stiffer and deeper deposits of snow in wind-loaded areas.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

    Cornices can fail naturally during periods of warm weather.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3

    A widespread crust with surface hoar and/or facets, buried in early December is buried 100 to 200 cm deep. The same layer has been responsible for several large, destructive avalanches in regions to the north.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Saturday: Two large (size 2) cornices failed on northwest facing slopes north of Terrace.

Friday: A few small storm slabs were rider-triggered near Shames on a south aspect at treeline.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 of settling snow from earlier this week sits on either old wind-affected layers or possibly surface hoar in sheltered spots. In exposed areas, soft snow has been redistributed into wind slabs.

100 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack are layers of crust, facets, and possibly surface hoar that were buried in December. Warm temperatures are expected to increase the reactivity of this layer.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and unconcerning.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C with a temperature inversion.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C inversion ends.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow overnight and 5 to 10 cm during the day. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Regions covered