Uncertainty about a persistent weak layer requires careful terrain selection.
Remote-triggered avalanches have failed on this over the weekend. It has been most reactive on north through east slopes between 1700 and 2300 m. Most activity has been in the east of the forecast area.
Fresh snow may need more time to settle and stabilize. Winds are forecast to increase on Tuesday. Pay attention to wind direction, wind slabs form on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded terrain.
Every day from Friday to Sunday, a large remote-triggered avalanche failed the early December layer.
Friday: London Ridge, size 3 avalanche at 2220 m on an east-facing slope.
Saturday: west of Meadow Creek, size 2 at 2280 m on a north-facing slope.
Sunday: west of Revelstoke, size 1.5 at 2200 m on a north-facing slope.
Otherwise, numerous small to large (up to size 2) natural and rider-triggered avalanches were reported in the recent snow, especially in steep terrain.
Expect to find 20 to 50 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas and wind slabs on lee slopes below peaks and ridgelines. On sun-affected slopes, the recent snow covers a melt-and-freeze crust.
A concerning layer of facets, crusts, and/or surface hoar is buried 70 to 120 cm. It is most likely to be a problem on north through east aspects between 1700 to 2300 m.
Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 180 cm.
Monday night
Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 5 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, 2-5 cm of snow. 5 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Partly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
