Avalanche Forecast

High - The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 5-15 cm of low density snow, strong wind from the south, alpine temperatures around -20 C.

THURSDAY: Flurries with 5-15 cm of low density snow, moderate to strong wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.

FRIDAY: Light flurries with mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.

SATURDAY: Light flurries with 5-10 cm of snow, moderate wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

Avalanche activity has quieted down over the past few days, but incoming weather will refresh the wind slab problem on north and east lee features. Last weekend there were a few notable reports of large persistent slab avalanches in the Selkirks and the northern tip of the Monashees (near Blue River and Valemount). The avalanches failed on a 100 cm deep surface hoar layer on north and east aspects between elevations of 1200 to 2100 m. Recent observations suggest this layer has trended towards being less reactive under the current conditions.

Surface conditions are variable due to cold temperatures and shifting wind directions over the past few days, but expect fresh wind slabs to form on lee features on Thursday. A layer of surface hoar is now buried 80-150 cm below the surface and continues to be a concern certain parts of the Selkriks and the northern end of the Monashees. A facet/crust layer from late November lingers near the bottom of the snowpack and has occasionally been reactive in isolated shallow snowpack areas.

• Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
• Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.