Avalanche Forecast

Numerous natural and rider triggered storm slab and persistent slab avalanches size 1 to 3 have been reported the past few days in the alpine and treeline elevation bands. One rider triggered persistent slab avalanches resulted in a full burial/recovery east of Revelstoke. Persistent slabs were mostly on north to west aspects and 60 to 100 cm deep. Some of these avalanches were remotely triggered (from a distance).

Expect persistent slab avalanche activity to continue.

60 to 90 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of layers that it may not bond well to, including surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain, weak facets, or a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed south and west-facing slopes. The wind has likely formed thicker deposits in lee terrain features near ridges.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried 60 to 120 cm deep and is found up to around 2400 m. This crust may have a layer of facets above it, which makes it a troublesome avalanche layer.

The remainder of the snowpack is settled.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 3 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
• Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.