Avalanche Forecast

Fair

Synopsis: A series of frontal systems will move through the province over the next few days bringing cloud and light snow to the Northwest. Friday: Light snow – 5-10 cm. The freezing level is around 800-1000 m and winds are moderate from the south-southeast. Saturday: Light snow continues. The freezing level remains around 1000 m. Winds are moderate from the south. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries. Temperatures are pretty steady with daytime freezing levels around 1000-1200 m.

A few new wet loose or slab avalanches were reported at lower elevations on Wednesday. Many of these were releasing on the ground and most were from steep solar aspects. Glide cracks and cornices continue to fail with some regularity.

Light new snow will bury a variety or old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy.