Avalanche Forecast

On Tuesday, west of Terrace, numerous large (up to size 2.5) natural avalanches were reported in the recent storm snow.

On Sunday, northwest of Stewart, several large (size 2-3) natural avalanches were reported in wind-loaded alpine terrain.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).

30-75 cm of settling snow sits on a widespread crust in all but sheltered, north-facing slopes at treeline and above. This crust was formed in early April, and where it doesn't exist, isolated pockets of small surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and/or loose, sugary faceted snow may be found.

Moderate to strong south or southwest winds have likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits of snow in leeward terrain.

Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a small chance that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, high alpine terrain.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow expected above 500 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow expected above 800 m. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow expected above 750 m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, dying down through the day. Treeline high around -3 °C.

Friday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light variable wind in the morning, increasing to moderate southwest through the day. Treeline high around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
• Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.