Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Jordan, Kokanee, North Columbia, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, Whatshan.
Slab avalanches are possible on slopes with denser cohesive surface snow.
In steep terrain where the snow is loose and soft, use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous and widespread loose dry avalanches continue to be reported across the region.
On Monday, skiers remote-triggered a size 2 persistent slab on a south-facing slope below treeline.
On Sunday and Saturday, several small size 1-1.5 natural and rider-triggered slabs were reported failing in the recent storm snow. A few isolated ones also ran on the persistent weak layer.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of low-density snow from the last storm buried a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on sun-affected slopes. Upper elevations in parts of the region have seen some wind effect and wind slabs building on lee slopes. In areas sheltered from the wind, loose dry avalanches are likely in steep terrain and have been surprising riders by entraining significant amounts of snow.
A persistent weak layer formed at the end of January is now buried approximately 30 to 70 cm. This layer is a crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar in shaded, sheltered terrain, and weak faceted grains elsewhere. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatrure -9 °C.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs on various aspects if you find yourself transitioning into wind-affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer 30 to 70 cm deep, remains a concern in areas where there is an overlying cohesive slab. This is most likely in wind-loaded areas or on sun-exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Triggering of dry loose avalanches has been windespread and is likely to continue. In steep areas where the snow has no slab properties use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5