Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Regions
Northwest Inland.
Recent storm and wind slabs will remain triggerable in steep terrain, particularly in wind affected areas.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Dry with some clear spells.TUESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. A thin above freezing level around 2000m may give some warmer alpine temperatures. Light southeasterly winds.WEDNESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Cooling, with alpine temperatures around -7C. Calm winds. THURSDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures around -12C. Light southeasterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
The weekend's avalanche activity from the Microwave area near Smithers is documented well in these two MIN posts here and here. Storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed on north aspect slopes. Thanks a tonne to the riders who submitted these observations.
Snowpack Summary
The recent storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds have likely redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.