Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Overview: A series of strong frontal systems are forecast to cross the province early this week bringing mild and wet conditions to most areas. The Columbia Mountains should expect moderate to locally heavy precipitation each day this period with the freezing level hovering between 1000 and 1500 m.Monday:5-10 cm; freezing level near 1500 m; Ridge winds are moderate to strong from the SW.Tuesday:15-20 cm; freezing level near 1400 m; Ridge winds are moderate from the W.Wednesday: Continued moderate precipitation; pretty uncertain about temps – could cool a bit in a NW flow or could rise with the weather system.

Currently there are no recent avalanche reports. It's likely that there is enough snow at higher elevations for avalanches, particularly in wind loaded alpine features. Stay alert to changing conditions and signs of unstable snow like recent avalanches, significant loading by wind or snowfall, whumpfing or cracking, or rapid warming.

This is an estimate of what the snowpack may look like based of a few observations and previous weather. If you plan on riding in avalanche terrain be sure to supplement this with your own observations and please pass along any data you collect (forecaster@avalanche.ca).It looks like the most recent storm dropped 10-20cm of snow with a snow line a little over 1000m. This new snow may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust (similar to the South Columbia). Below this you will likely find a 15-25cm thick layer of sugary facets, which are sitting on a solid rain crust from early November. Recent strong and variable winds may have created dense wind slabs in exposed terrain. The average alpine snowpack depth is around 80-100cm. The snow probably tapers off pretty quickly as you drop below treeline. Watch out for exposed (or lightly buried) obstacles like stumps, rocks, logs, and open creeks.