Use caution venturing into new terrain, especially at tree line and above.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
A high pressure ridge will dominate the weather pattern in the interior of BC for the forecast period. The upper level inversion we enjoyed this past week has moved out of the region bringing more seasonal January temperatures. Valley cloud is likely in the morning with cold alpine conditions. Light precipitation with moderate south wind is forecast for the BC interior on Monday and Tuesday, but the timing and amounts are uncertain at this time.
Avalanche Summary
Reports of loose natural avalanches on steep south-facing slopes up to size 1.5 .
Snowpack Summary
The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose dry and moist avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on solar aspects. Wind transported snow continues to form thin slabs on variety of aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.