Avalanche Forecast

Monday Night: Scattered flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -10.

Tuesday: Scattered flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -6. Freezing level 1000 m

Wednesday: Mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries. Light west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -5. Freezing level 1100 m

Thursday: Flurries. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high temperatures around -8.

Reports from Saturday and Sunday show numerous loose dry avalanche size 1-1.5 running in steep terrain in the alpine and at tree line as well as several natural and skier/rider triggered wind slab avalanches size 1-1.5 on a variety of aspects at treeline and in the alpine.

20-40 cm of snow from last week now overlies older wind-affected snow at high elevations as well as a widespread melt-freeze or rain crust with an upper extent that varies from 1900 metres in some areas to mountaintop in others. This snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong winds blowing from a variety of directions. The depth of new snow diminishes considerably at lower elevations. 

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but contain two deeper weak layers that we have been tracking since the early part of the season. The late December surface hoar layer, buried 100 to 180 cm deep, is now suspected to be dormant.

A facet/crust layer from November exists near the ground in the highest elevations of the region. It remains a limited concern that is likely only able to be triggered with a large load, in high elevation, thin snowpack areas of the Selkirks and the southern half of the region.

• Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.