Avalanche Forecast

A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels will dominate the weather pattern this week.

Tuesday night - Mainly clear / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near -1 / freezing level 1500 m, possible alpine temperature inversion

Wednesday - Sunny / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 2 / freezing level 2700 m 

Thursday - Mainly sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 3 / freezing level 3000 m 

Friday - Mainly sunny / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near 5 / freezing level 3200 m

There have been several size 1-2.5 natural and human triggered storm and wind slab avalanches reported over the past week. These were mainly on northerly aspects in the alpine and at treeline. There have also been several cornice failures, and small wet loose avalanches reported.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected with sun and warm temperatures. The likelihood of cornice failure also increases with warming. Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger at upper elevations.

A storm late last week brought between 10-20 cm of new snow in the north, and 20-30 cm near the Coquihalla. The new snow fell on a crust in many areas.

The snow surface is now a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1800 m, where both soft snow and wind slabs may exist. In areas where the surface is a crust, sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to soften the crust during the day.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable but increases in likelihood with daytime warming, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

• The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
• Avoid exposure to sunny slopes, especially in the afternoon.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.