Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Wednesday: Moderate S to SW winds. Freezing level near surface. Moderate snow starting in the afternoon (~15 cm).Thursday: Moderate to strong SW winds. Freezing level rising to near 700 m. Moderate snow (~15 cm).Friday: Light to moderate SW winds . Freezing level near 500 m. Mostly cloudy with light snow.

There was a widespread cycle of small natural and skier triggered soft slab and loose snow avalanches on Monday. Soft new cornices were also falling off and triggering soft slabs up to size 2. Some larger (size 2-3) naturally triggered slabs were observed to the north of the region. Explosives triggered a size 2 soft slab which stepped down to the late November surface hoar layer in a steep rocky area in the Selkirks on Sunday.

More than 120 cm of snow has accumulated this week in some areas. Various storm snow instabilities have been observed. In areas affected by recent SW to SE winds, new wind slabs and touchy cornices exist at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow is sluffing fast and far, with enough ‘push’ to get you into trouble. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-160 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.