About Shames

This page shows the current backcountry snow report, avalanche forecast, and weather conditions for Shames. Check the danger rating, field observations, and Doctor's Orders summary above before heading out.

The Shames region covers the terrain surrounding Shames Mountain Ski Area west of Terrace, BC, extending from the Skeena River valley into the heavily glaciated peaks of the Coast Mountains along the Shames and Exchamsiks River drainages. This area is defined by its extraordinary maritime snowfall — Shames Mountain is widely regarded as one of the snowiest lift-accessible ski areas in North America — and the terrain reflects this character, with old-growth cedar and hemlock at valley level giving way to wind-pruned subalpine forest and then massive, open alpine snowfields and cirque glaciers above treeline. Highway 16 provides winter access from Terrace, approximately 35 kilometres to the east. The snow climate at Shames is among the most maritime on the continent, positioned to intercept virtually every Pacific system that tracks inland through the Dixon Entrance and Douglas Channel. Snowfall events measured in metres rather than centimetres are not uncommon, and the snowpack builds to extreme depths that can support glacier travel well above the normal snowline. The frequency of loading events means storm slab is nearly always a relevant hazard on the upper terrain, and the high liquid water content of the maritime snowpack creates rapid densification and settlement between cycles. During atmospheric river events, rain can reach to significant elevations and the transition from manageable to extreme hazard can occur within hours.

Terrain within this zone includes: Shames Mountain, Terrace, Skeena Valley, Exchamsiks River.