Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

An Arctic ridge of high pressure will continue to build from the Yukon into the B.C interior bringing clear skies and cold conditions across the province with outflow winds through Tuesday morning. Abundant moisture from the Pacific will invade the province starting on Tuesday night. 

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Strong to extreme northwest wind / Low of -16 at 2000 m.

TUESDAY: Increasing cloudiness / Flurries 3-5 cm / Strong west wind / High of -12 at 2000 m.

WEDNESDAY: Snow 20-30 cm / Strong to extreme southwest wind/ High of -7 at 2000 m.

THURSDAY: Flurries / Moderate southwest wind / High of -14 at 2000 m.

Numerous loose dry and storm slabs avalanches (size 1-2) have released naturally at all elevations on steep terrain features after the last storm.

If you go out in the mountains, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

20-40 cm of recent new snow has been redistributed by Southwest winds during the last storm, creating wind slabs on North and East facing features. As the wind shifts to the Northwest, expect to see fresh wind slabs developing on slopes that have not seen them yet.

The concerning layer within the snowpack is the early December facet/crust combo which is now buried between 60-100 cm down. This layer generally exists below 1800 m and is most concerning in the area west of Blue River. In some places, the crust starts to decompose and show sporadic test results.

• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.