Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No new avalanches were reported over the weekend.

On Saturday, north of Kamloops, the early December surface hoar layer was observed underneath a frozen crust. It was noted to be unreactive to the weight of a human. In rare places where the surface hoar still exists, and it is not covered by a hard crust, an avalanche may initiate surprisingly easily.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

15-35 cm of snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust. Beneath the crust a spotty surface hoar layer may be found. The intense rain from earlier this week likely destroyed this layer, and if not, the crust may reduce the chance of triggering an avalanche on it.

The middle and base of the snowpack may still be moist from the rain, though weak, faceted grains could persist where the snowpack is dry.

Snowpack depths at treeline are approximately 50 to 80 cm. The snowpack tapers drastically below treeline.

Monday Night

Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light variable wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light southerly ridgetop wind, increasing to moderate in the afternoon. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Strong to extreme south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2°C, with a possible above freezing layer at high elevations.

Thursday

Cloudy. 10-15 cm of snow expected. Moderate northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -6°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.