Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Clearwater, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Columbia, Valhalla, Whatshan.
Storm slabs continue to build over a layer of facets and the new snow will take time to bond to the previous snow surface.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, large (size 2 and 3) explosive controlled avalanches were reported that ran from ridge top well into the treeline.
Over the weekend, numerous rider triggered wind slabs and storm slabs (size 1 and 2) were reported on many aspects at all elevations. Around the Sicamous area, natural and remote triggered avalanches were reported up to size 2, and were likely triggerd by warm temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
Continued snowfall and 30 to 50 cm of recent snow from the last two storms is settling fast with warm temperatures. This snow has buried a variety of snow surfaces including unconsolidated faceted snow, surface hoar and firm wind-pressed snow in open terrain at treeline and above.
Down 60 to 80 cm, a crust, facet and or surface hoar layer exists.
130+ cm down another surface hoar layer exists that was buried in early December. This layer is of most concern above 2000 m where a robust crust doesn't exist above it.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 20-30 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing levels up to 1600 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with up to 3 cm of snow, south alpine wind 30-70 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, freezing levels up to 1400 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with 3-10 cm of snow, south alpine wind 10-30 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, freezing levels up to 1300 m.
Firday
Mix of sun and cloud with up to 3 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 30-50 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, freezing levels up to 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow and warm temperatures are building storm slabs that may be thicker and more reactive in wind affected areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
60-90 cm of snow sits above a crust and surface hoar which has produced natural, remote and rider-triggered avalanches in the past week.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5