Kitimat

Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain.

Over the weekend, a few size 2 wind slab avalanches and small dry loose avalanches were observed in steep terrain. Explosive control produced a few size two avalanches on buried facet layers, but mostly indicated this layer has become unreactive to human triggering.

Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Settled storm snow exists in sheltered terrain, and moist snow or a hard crust is found below around 800 m. Weak layers that were reactive over the Christmas and New Year's period have shown signs of bonding and gaining strength. These include a surface hoar layer buried on Dec 28 found 40 to 60 cm deep and a facet layer buried on Dec 23 found 60 to 100 cm deep.

Monday night

Cloudy, no precipitation, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C, freezing level 600 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulations up to 5 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Light flurries in the morning with up to 5 cm of snow, mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Cloudy wth scattered flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of snow, 30 to 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Exercise caution on steep, unsupported slopes.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.