This past season, we were pleased to welcome Avalanche Canada’s Northwest team to Skeena after they reached out to learn more about our avalanche forecasting program, snowpack observations and extensive field data.
Skeena sits within a unique transitional snow climate, influenced by both moisture-bearing Pacific storms and colder continental weather patterns. This combination helps create the deep, dry snow we are known for, but it can also produce a complex and dynamic snowpack that requires careful observation and ongoing assessment throughout the season.
Every day, our guides and avalanche professionals collect information from across Skeena’s extensive terrain. Weather conditions, snowfall, wind, temperatures, snowpack structure and signs of avalanche activity are recorded and analyzed, building a detailed picture of how conditions are developing across our different elevations and aspects. Over time, this creates an invaluable history of the snowpack and supports informed decisions about where and how we ski.
During Avalanche Canada’s visit, the team had an opportunity to see our forecasting process firsthand and review the depth of information gathered by our team. They were impressed by the strength of the program, the extent of our field observations and evidence of widespread natural avalanche activity that remained visible several days after the cycle had occurred.
The visit was also a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and spend time together in the mountains. Sharing observations and perspectives with Avalanche Canada allows both teams to deepen their understanding of this distinctive northern environment.
For our guests, much of this work takes place behind the scenes. Each morning begins with a careful review of the latest information before terrain is selected for the day. Conditions continue to be assessed while our guides are in the field, allowing plans to evolve as new observations are gathered.
It is this combination of experienced people, extensive local knowledge and consistent field data that helps our team manage risk and find the best skiing available each day across Skeena’s wide variety of alpine and gladed terrain.
