Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Columbia.
Storm snow totals have varied across the region, with field observations reporting deeper layers in the snowpack being becoming more reactive. Conservative terrain choice is recommended until the distribution of weak layers is better understood.
Confidence
Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperature -10 C, southwest wind 10-25 km/hr.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm. Alpine temperature -6 C, west wind 10-25 km/hr.
Friday: Flurries, trace to 10 cm. Alpine temperature -4 C, south-southwest wind 10-25 km/h.
Saturday: Scattered flurries, trace to 15 cm. Alpine temperature -6, west wind 15-25 km/hr.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, storm snow continued to be reactive to skier traffic, including triggering slab avalanches to size 2 and cracking on small, supported slopes. A couple of field observations reported slab avalanches failing on a layer of surface hoar (down 60-80 cm) at treeline elevations.
On Tuesday, a natural avalanche cycle was observed in Glacier National Park. Numerous size 2 storm slab avalanches were observed on all aspects at 2200 m and above. Additionally, 2 size 3 storm slab avalanches were observed on a north aspect at 2165 m and a northwest aspect at 2400 m. Near Revelstoke, storm slab avalanches to size 2 were reacting easily to explosives, many occurring on north and northeast aspects from 1800-2300 m.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow totals reached 25-40 cm along with moderate westerly winds. Slabs have formed in areas exposed to wind.
The new snow covered a faceted upper snowpack and previously wind-affected surfaces, and surface hoar in sheltered areas around treeline and below.
Down 50-75 cm, below the old, wind affected snow, a layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) may be found in sheltered areas around treeline. In these areas old, stubborn wind slabs may still be reactive where they overly the weak surface hoar or a crust.
A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack. Total snow depths range from 120-150 cm around tree line.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Upwards of 30-50 cm new snow accumulated in the last storm. Reactive storm slabs developed, especially in areas affected by wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A surface hoar/crust, down 50-75 cm has become reactive with the recent storm snow. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings around treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5