Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Frontal system arrives overnight with 10-15 cm of snow above 1700 m, strong wind from the southwest, alpine temperatures rise to -2 C.

THURSDAY: Heavy snowfall in the south of the region (20-40 cm) and moderate to heavy snowfall in the north (15-25 cm), rain below 1500 m, strong wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -1 C.

FRIDAY: Another 5-15 cm of snow, moderate wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with some light flurries, light wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.

The incoming storm will increase the likelihood of storm slab, deep persistent slab, and wet loose avalanches. In the past few days there have been a few reports of small (size 1) slab avalanches in the northern part of the region and wet loose avalanches around the Coquihalla.

New snow will accumulate above 1500 m creating new storm and wind slabs. The new snow is burying a mix of old wind slabs, crusts, and moist snow.

There are currently no concerns about deep weak layers in the south of the region (e.g. Coquihalla).

There have been two layers of concern in the northern half of the region (e.g. Duffey, Hurley). One is a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 100 cm deep that professionals are tracking at treeline in sheltered areas. The other is weak faceted grains and crusts near the bottom of the snowpack, that is most likely to be triggered in shallow rocky start zones.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.