It will take a few days for the most recent storm snow to settle and bond. A cautious approach is recommended.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 5-15cm, light to moderate southwest winds, Alpine temperature -2FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, wind light southeast, alpine temperature -8More details can be found on the
Mountain Weather Forecast.
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports indicate a size 2.5 remotely triggered avalanche 70cm deep and running on a west aspect at 2100m.
Snowpack Summary
The most recent storm brought variable snow fall amounts to this region. The storm slab is expected to be sensitive to light additional loads, and may release naturally with continued loading from new snow and wind. Previous to the new storm, recent cold and clear weather has promoted both faceting of surface snow as well as the growth of surface hoar that has been reported to be up to 7mm in size in sheltered areas below treeline. Below the surface, our recent storm snow was redistributed by moderate to strong southwest and more recent northerly winds in exposed upper areas. In deeper snowpack parts of the region, the mid-December facet layer lies up to 120 cm below the surface. In these areas, professionals feel this layer has generally gained considerable strength. In shallower areas, particularly those in the southeast (Allen Creek), North (Sugarbowl) and likely some western areas around Quesnel and Barkerville, the snowpack is likely a lot more suspect, with a thicker, more pronounced facet layer buried only 50-60 cm below the surface.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
