Hudson Bay
Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 28th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 27th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 26th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 25th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 24th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 24th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 23rd, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 22nd, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 21st, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 20th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 19th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 18th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 17th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 16th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 15th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 14th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 13th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 12th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 11th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 10th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 9th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 8th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Mar 7th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 6th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 5th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 4th, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 3rd, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 2nd, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs.
Published: Mar 1st, 2025Avalanche Forecast
Problems: Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs.
Published: Feb 28th, 2025Juniper & blue lakes
<p>APR21: Comeau received 10cm moist fresh from overnight precip starting at near 1000m, & boot-top dry snow @ treeline & up. Fresh snow also fell without wind last night so no soft slab characteristics except just below wind exposed alpine ridgetops, rock walls, and cornices. Oberserved 2x NW size 1.5-2 naturals (1 @ comeau + 1 @ Juniper) with about 40cm crown, soft slab failing on top of the 40cm wind slab from the week prior. Overall slower trail breaking travel condition, ~20cm ski pen, no settlement or whumphing throughout the day on both west & east side of the range, despite ski pole probing 40cm on average & up to 1m of deep soft snow at isolated windloaded pockets. All avalanche paths/slopes near or below treeline 1300m ran during the last sunny warm spell, with a refrozen crust formed on the bed surface. </p>
allochris,
Friday 21st April, 2023 11:40PM
Wind and Windslabs at Hankin
<p>Today we skied at Hankin. By mid day snow was moist below 1700 m on all aspects. Shady aspects were still holding cold snow and providing good ski quality, sunny aspects were crusty. Wind slab has formed in the alpine with recent strong winds. We observed one size 2 wind slab avalanche that released beneath the cornice at ridge top. The deposit flowed into the basin of cabin bowl. Wind slabs remain triggerable able in the alpine. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Thursday 20th April, 2023 3:20PM
Hudson Bay Mountain
<p>Hudson Bay summit attempt today. 5-15cm of cold dry snow from the Prairie up. Settling observed on the ridge at 2200m on a 5-10 degree south facing slope. A huge Whumpf at 2520m on a flat area just below the last summit pitch that broke off an approx 10 metre long chunk of cornice which fell down the north side of Hudson Bay. Rode back down the south ridge to the prairie at about 1130am, snow quality was surprisingly good, very little wind or sun effect from 2400m down. Temperature seemed to be around minus 10 at 2500m, light wind from the SW.</p>
SuperGorby,
Monday 17th April, 2023 7:20PM
Comeau-blue lks
<p>April 14, 2022 Comeau to Blue Lks alpine conditions were overall covered with a 5cm freshly wind deposited soft slab reactive to skier traffic, gliding over the most recent windslab, which is about 40cm thick overlying the buried crust surface below. Observed only 1 natural 0.5 soft slab in action with boot top crown thickness originating at a convex roll, triggered by constant wind loading on northerly ridgetop elevation. Approaching storm generated on average 30km/hr wind in PM with strong gusts up to 50-70km/hr. Great overall travel condition up & down, no ski crampons needed, from ridge top to lower blue lks elevation. No whumphing, settlements, or shoot cracks observed, just the 5cm of sluff management on steep slopes as well as un-ran start zones to be cautious of.</p>
allochris,
Saturday 15th April, 2023 12:40AM
Surface hoar surprise
<p>Today we went to Hankin on the hunt for buried weak layers below the recent storm snow - and we found them!
We dug on northeast and northwest facing slopes in the alpine, and found a layer of surface hoar 30 cm deep below the new snow. This layer produced repeatable propagating Extended Column Test results (ECT P 17, ECT P 20) with moderate loads. The weak, feathery surface hoar crystals are not found everywhere, but it is worth investigating slopes for this layer as the result could be a significant slab avalanche, especially in wind-loaded terrain features and shady slopes.
We didn't see any new avalanches.
At treeline and below, there is a thick melt-freeze crust just below the surface. We haven't found the surface hoar in these areas and were able to find good skiing with 5 cm of creamy, moist snow over the crust.
The day was warm and cloudy, with mostly calm condtions. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Friday 14th April, 2023 5:10PM
East boulder April 5-8
<p>April 5-8, 2023 @ East Boulder.
Condition changed dramatically since the light cold dry snow found on Apr 2-4. With rapid warming to above freezing temp. @ treeline elevation on April 5-6, avalanche cycle occured with continuous wind loading & light drizzle saturating the previously cold dry snow surface. Slide paths showed heavy debris terminating at near max or full runout, with size 2 avalanches on average. High al1pine on April 7-8 received continous significant snow transport from strong southerly wind, resulting in windslab thickness from 40cm to 1m. We treaded conservatively and avoided all slopes with overhead start zones and fat convexities. Observed multiple size 1-2 naturals with 40-50cm crowns located below cornices on NE aspect, including one successfully skier triggered (intentional) size 2 (~500m x ~500m, about 30-50cm thick), showing impressive rapid propagation and step-down characteristics (2 layers above the most recent boilerplate). April spring cleaning cycle has arrived. Due to the continuous wind loading and mild temperature in the alpine, we would rate the current condition (april 8) at East Boulder as 3-3-2 (considerable -considerable-moderate).</p>
allochris,
Sunday 9th April, 2023 12:20AM
Grey Jay Hankin Day
<p>Today we went to Hankin. The day was cloudy and it was snowing lightly with light winds. Temperatures were below zero all the way down to the parking lot at 900m.
We didn’t see any new avalanches or find evidence of any wind slab formation.
There is 5 to 15 cm of new snow over firm older surfaces. North facing slopes (shady slopes) still have the best skiing and riding quality, but the treeline skiing isn’t half bad with the dust on supportive crust.
No photos today but you can check out our Instagram @avcan_northwest to see our smiling faces!</p>
AvCan Northwest,
Thursday 6th April, 2023 7:10AM
East boulder
<p>Found amazing winter cold dry mid boot ski pen powder at the east boulder basin on all northerly aspect, on April 2nd! Decent snowpack coverage throughout compared to other low snow years below treeline. Alpine is still getting the wind so expect windward slopes to be extra wind affected/firm in the alpine and possible windslab & cornices building lee slopes. Zero signs of instability throughout the day on northerly aspect. New snow seems to bond well to the underlying firm surfaces. Avoided all south facing slope getting baked (sun crust forming below treeline) and observed some new snow avalanched in form of wet heavy goo, with southerly start zones in mid alpine originating from point releases. Enjoy the snow & blue bird!</p>
allochris,
Sunday 2nd April, 2023 10:30PM
Crust level 5000
<p>Today we skied the 5000 face off Hudson Bay mountain. The alpine is extensively wind effected and at ridge top the snow is stripped to bare ground in many places. There was a cool breeze and high cloud throughout the day that was keeping the snow cool in the alpine. The snow softened up slightly through the day but the ski conditions remained crusty. Snow started to soften up around treeline and made for some fun turns after skiing crust most of the way down. We observed no new avalanches. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Thursday 30th March, 2023 5:30PM
Hot at Hankin!
<p>Today we skied at Hankin. The skin track up to the hut is very firm and slippery and can be difficult in some sections. At Tree line and above snow in shaded areas has remained cold and is still providing good ski quality. The snow surface has been faceting and old winds slabs have been braking down, improving the ski quality. Solar aspects have been receiving a lot of sun and have formed a melt freeze crust. There has been multiple loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 out of steep south facing terrain in the previous few days. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Wednesday 29th March, 2023 4:20PM
Bulletproof cardiac
<p>Today we skied the Cardiac couloir. There was a limited refreeze overnight from yesterdays warm temps, on solar aspects the snow was moist by 11:00 am at 1600 m. A cold breeze from the south west was keeping things cool in the alpine but solar aspects were still catching a lot of sun. We made sure we were well away from any solar aspects that had been baking in the sun all morning. In the alpine there was extensive old wind effect but low ski penetration made for fast travel. North facing slops are still holding cold snow although ski conditions are variable. We observed no new avalanches. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Wednesday 22nd March, 2023 3:50PM
Crater Lake hardpack
<p>Toured up to about 2050m, just below the summit of Hudson. Our entire way up was mostly on wind affected, hard snow, encased in rime ice above 2000m.
We skied down to crater lake and found variable snow, from scoured snow, to breakable crust, with some small pockets of soft snow.
Beautiful skin up and amazing views, but not particularly easy skiing.</p>
olivier.clements,
Monday 20th March, 2023 5:10PM
Hankin solar
<p>Little to no wind at treeline in the last couple of days making for great skiing conditions from treeline below. Noticed some fresher loose snow slides on NE aspects from steep terrain, as well as the solar slopes.</p>
Jason,
Friday 10th March, 2023 5:30PM
A game of two halves
<p>Today we went to Hankin and found 15cm of low density preserved powder on the surface.
Cold air temperatures have been breaking down some of the wind affected snow at the surface (into surface facets which have little cohesion) which made for great skiing and riding conditions. We were still on the look out for wind affected areas at ridgecrest, and made sure to avoid travelling under large cornices.
We skied a moderate slope in the alpine that we identified as not having any thin-to-thick snowpack areas.
We saw one size 3 deep persistent slab avalanche that failed in on a steep, rocky, east/northeast facing slope in the alpine. This avalanche probably occurred 5-7 days ago, but it is still evidence of the unlikely yet large avalanches that could occur in similar terrain features.
The day was partly cloudy with no wind.</p>
AvCan Northwest,
Tuesday 7th March, 2023 5:10PM
Hankin wind effect
Jason,
Friday 3rd March, 2023 8:00PM
Hankin Alpine Activity
Jason,
Thursday 2nd March, 2023 10:00PM
Evelyn
<p>Today we Skied at Evelyn backcountry ski area. Strong ridge top winds from the south west were redistributing the new snow and forming wind slab at tree line and above. We found great skiing in sheltered areas with up to 30 cm of ski penetration. With the recents strong winds and new snow we expect cornice growth to continue. We are watching out for overhead hazard and avoiding pockets of new wind slab. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Wednesday 1st March, 2023 4:20PM
Bring your snorkel to Silvern
<p>Today we rode at Silvern lakes. 30-40 cm of low density snow had fallen overnight. Hard wind slab was still lurking beneath the new snow and made for difficult riding conditions in areas expoed to the recent strong outflow winds. As you transitioned into more sheltered terrain the riding quality increased dramatically. We had limited visibility into the alpine but suspect that the new low density snow will not be bonding well to the previous surface of hard windslab. We observed no new avalanches. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Saturday 25th February, 2023 4:30PM
Large crowns observed from hankin 8a
<p>Skied runs 8 and 8a at hankin today. At the top of the Ridge above the runs we could see 2 large crowns in the steep north facing bowls at the back of Opal Ridge. We were standing 6km away so it was tough to gauge depth of slab or width of propagation, but they must have been large to be visible from that distance. </p>
danielhelm.kz,
Saturday 11th February, 2023 6:10PM
AST 2 Obs - Miller Ck/Crater Lake
<p>AST 2 Course obs today:
Weather: Mix of Sun and clouds, temps at treeline -5c, winds L from south, picked up to Moderate westerlies later in afternoon
Snowpack: 20cm of new snow from yesterday, brings recent storm snow amounts to @ 50cm in this area. Wind affected surfaces and loading in upper treeline and alpine.
Avalanches: we saw several natural avalanches in steep East aspect alpine terrain, lee to previous winds, size 1-2. Crowns were thin, 10-20cm, and did not propagate very wide, 20-40m. We were able to intentionally trigger some thin size 1 windslabs on small test slopes, also east aspects.</p>
Hyland Backcountry,
Friday 10th February, 2023 5:40PM
more snow at Silvern Lakes!
<p>Today we rode at Silvern Lakes. There was up to 20 cm of new snow in the last 48 hours making for excellent riding conditions. Moderate westerly winds were redistributing the new snow and forming windslab in the alpine and treeline. The new storm snow is bonding well to last weeks rain crust down 30-50 cm . Temperatures were between -1 to -3. We observed no new avalanches.</p>
AvCan Northwest,
Sunday 5th February, 2023 12:40PM
Wind and snow at Silvern
<p>Today we rode at Silvern Lakes. There was up to 30 cm of storm snow that was being redistributed by moderate to strong southerly winds. Windslab was forming at treeline and alpine. During testing we observed easy to moderate compression test results on the rain crust from last week. We were also able to get easy to moderate compression test results on the Jan 6th surface hoar/ facet layer down 55 cm. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Thursday 2nd February, 2023 3:50PM
Silvern Sunny Day
<p>Took advantage of the beautiful day to explore Silvern Lakes area. Lots of wind transport happening at ridgetop, creating a reactive pocket of windslab just below the ridgetop. We kicked off a a few of the soft & fresh cornices from the ridge which easily triggered the windslab below which was up to 20cm thick. Dug a pit just below ridge top at 1720m on an east aspect and found 10cm of recent snow overtop of the thin melt freeze crust. The snowpack transitioned to facets about 40cm down. Compression test produced easy results in the top 10cm on the melt freeze crust, and CT27 with a sudden collapse character on the facets layer (40cm down). A Propagation Saw Test on the facets layer had the fracture initiate 40cm into the test and propagate up across the entire column (100cm). We skied a long well supported east facing slope in the sun that was relatively sheltered from wind affect and was holding great snow.</p>
danielhelm.kz,
Monday 30th January, 2023 9:20AM
car batteries and crust
<p>Today we braved crusty conditions to get the Hankin weather station up and running again. On NE aspects in the alpine there are many loose wet avalanches from 24-48 hours ago. We saw no other new avalanches.
The rain crust extends well into the alpine bowls above the cabin here, but it does become more supportive to skis the higher you go and we found 2 cm of new snow on top from overnight. At treeline, the crust is breakable and makes for very challenging skiing.We had clear skies, mild temperatures and gusty strong winds in the alpine from the north. We saw snow being transported at ridgecrest.</p>
AvCan Northwest,
Friday 27th January, 2023 4:20PM
Hankin-Evelyn adventure
<p>Skinned up route D and the steepish up track to the warming shelter. Light rain turning to wet snow ~1270m. Skied down run 5; snow was quite heavy and sticky. No signs of instability among the uptrack, wet and loose sloughs present on the cabin bowl slope directly above the hut. </p>
Kira Frew,
Thursday 26th January, 2023 9:20PM
Crusty conditions to Crater Lake
<p>We were greeted with a 5 cm thick breakable crust on the surface en route to Crater Lake today. The visibility was obscured due to falling snow and moderate to strong southwesterly winds, but we didn’t see any new avalanches.
We dug on a SE facing slope at 1600 m and found 145 cm of total snow. We were able to get propagating Extended Column Test (ECT) results on a layer of buried surface hoar 35cm deep. We found the December 23 weak layer 65 cm deep but did not have any results on this layer today.
The freezing level today was around 1300 m, dropping throughout the afternoon. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Thursday 26th January, 2023 2:50PM
Y Glades
Yammers,
Sunday 1st January, 2023 6:40PM
Ozone
<p>Quick snow profile on north aspect at treeline 1500m 38deg hunting for buried surface hoar on the Dec 23 surface. ETCN 22 40cm down on the 23rd surface and no surface hoar found. However, there was 4cm of fresh snow overlaying a prominent 2cm deep layer of 2 to 4 mm surface hoar. On the ski back a small alpine wind loaded feature which had collected the recent ~4cm snowfall was very reactive to ski stomping failing 30cm down on very prominent 2 to 4 mm surface hoar. </p>
trowbridge.a.s,
Saturday 31st December, 2022 7:20PM
Silvern till the end
<p>Today we rode at Silvern Lakes. We observed multiple size 2 avalanches in the alpine, tree line and below tree line that occurred around Dec 26th. All of these avalanches have been running on the Dec 23 facet/surface hoar layer.
During testing we had moderate extended column test results on the Dec 23 facet/surface hoar layer that propagated the entire block.
We observed 3 layers of surface hoar within the top 30cm of the snow pack. The Dec 23rd layer down 25cm-50cm, a surface layer down 10cm and a new layer of surface hoar on the snow surface. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Friday 30th December, 2022 4:30PM
Just the tip...
<p>The way to heaven's gate was paved with crusty forest, rope-walking through dead-fall logs, bushwhacks, and soft-ish pillows. We were pleased to encounter angel's dust (pow) in the alpine. Given the high winds, we did not want to take a chance with the ridge top, but nonetheless ventured the tip of our skis through heaven's gate. Accordingly we cannot advise whether St-Peter's guards the way to the top. We saw no recent signs of avalanche activity or weakness in the snow-pack. Spindrift and gusting winds may change the scene fairly quickly.</p>
vincent.larochelle,
Thursday 29th December, 2022 8:40PM
Dig and Wiggle
<p>Dug a pit east facing in Cardiac bowl Just above Run 1 on a E facing slope.
Results were
CTM 11 (Sudden Planer) and CTE 9 (Resistant Planer) Failing on the Dec 23 storm layer of 10cm at this point and comprised of facets.
Relatively Warm temps (-7) and light wind. Two small storm cells passed throughout the day depositing 3cm and continuing at 1300 hrs. </p>
steelandfly,
Wednesday 28th December, 2022 5:50PM
Mini morning bowl
<p>Light snow on the way up. No signs of avalanches nearby. Skied a small bowl with a few trees without any problems/concerns. </p>
jason.k.horlings,
Wednesday 28th December, 2022 12:50PM
Reality check 2 (HBM)
jordan.whynot,
Wednesday 28th December, 2022 12:40PM
Respect your alders
<p>The alpine at Hankin offers a great view into the avalanche hazard. We observed a couple small size 1 avalanches out of steep alpine terrain and a couple of piles of older size 2 avalanche debris, which probably slid mid storm. In compression tests a layer down 25cm failed easily in a storm snow interphase and a layer down 50cm failed in moderate taps on decomposing forms and facets over a firm drought layer. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Tuesday 27th December, 2022 5:20PM
Simpsons Ridge
<p>High amount of wind scouring around and above Crater Lake. Variable snow deposition with 10-30cm thick wind slabs forming on exposed faces. Do not recommend going up the ridge until more snow falls and has a chance to accumulate. Core shots and scratches are to be expected right now.
Skinning conditions were perfect but skiing was significantly worse than expected. </p>
mangotweedie,
Saturday 24th December, 2022 11:30PM
Hankin Storm Check
<p>Today we went to investigate the new storm snow at the Hankin backcountry ski area. Ten centimeters of new snow at the parking lot and up to twenty five centimeters at tree line. In exposed areas the new snow is falling on hard wind pressed snow from last weeks outflow winds. In sheltered areas this new snow is adding to the faceted old snow and makes for boot top blower pow.
On one small steep feature, we were able to ski cut a small very soft slab. It fractured within a storm snow interface and propagated twenty meters wide but was only ten to fifteen centimeters deep. On larger features or terrain traps this could present a substantial hazard. With continued snow and wind over the next couple days the avalanche hazard will increase. </p>
AvCan Northwest,
Friday 23rd December, 2022 4:50PM
We went so you don’t have to
<p>There isn’t much snow at Evelyn. We only travelled to 1200m before turning around because at this elevation there are still many unburied trees, stumps, rocks and other early season hazards.</p>
AvCan Northwest,
Friday 16th December, 2022 3:10PM
Heavens Gate
<p>Went to have a look at the Heavens Gate couloir. Turned back at 2230m due to our 2:00pm turn around time. Vary little snow and tough travel up the trail. treeline was fairly wind affected, with 1-2cm of fresh from the night before. The couloir itself held 15-50cm of soft snow, with a small 20cm wind slab at the entrance that was producing moderate hand shears. No signs of propagation or cracking were observed. No signs of recent avalanches. </p>
ches.sterling,
Wednesday 14th December, 2022 10:50AM