Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, northwest of Revelstoke, explosive avalanche control triggered a few small cornice and wind slab avalanches on north aspects in the alpine.

A couple of large, deep persistent slab avalanches were also reported, but it is suspected that they occurred earlier in the week, possibly in a very warm and sunny period.

Other recent reports include a few wet loose avalanches to size 1.5 and 2 in the alpine on solar aspects.

By Thursday afternoon, up to 5cm of new snow may have fallen over a thin crust on steep slopes facing the sun right up into the alpine. Snow that fell earlier in the week has been redistributed by northeast winds. On high, north-facing terrain, wind slabs may sit over facets and surface hoar.

The mid-snowpack is generally strong but the lower snowpack is a different story. The November facets are still prominent at the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern in rocky, shallow, or thin to thick snowpack areas at treeline and above.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

Friday

Cloudy. 0-5 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1300 m. Treeline high around -5°C.

Saturday

Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected overnight and through the day. Light southwest ridgetop wind, possible periods of moderate in the morning. Freezing level around 1300m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Very light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.