Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Arctic air continues to drive south and will be with us for the forecast period. Temperatures remain cold to -20c at upper elevations, freezing levels at valley bottom. No precipitation in the forecast, although there may be high clouds with light flurries. Expect little change for the next week until the arctic high moves out of the area.

No recent reports of avalanche activity. This most likely reflects the low number of observations rather than actual conditions. Wind slabs on lee slopes are a major concern.

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the south coast inland area. Whistler reporting 180 cm in the alpine and 80 cm at the toe of the glaciers. Coquihalla received 70 to 80cm in the last storm event and reporting 140cm at 1660 M. Winds from the SW during the storm shifted to N-NE with the arrival of the arctic outflow and have produced wind slabs on lee slopes. North winds continue to scour the snow pack at ridge tops and above. Surface hoar is growing in protected locations near tree line and surface facetting has been reported in Manning park.Terrain below tree line is reported to be mostly below threshold for avalanche activity and solid.Moderate to locally heavy (in the south) accumulations now overlie a generally well settled snowpack. A few crusts with faceting may be found near the base of the snowpack, especially at higher higher elevations. No observations of avalanches on these crust/facet layers have been reported up to this time, but they are worth keeping an eye on. Expect surface facetting with the cold temps, and surface hoar on N. slopes protected from the wind.