Avalanche Forecast

Low - Freezing levels are uncertain

THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy / Alpine temperature -5 with possible temperature inversion above 2500m / Wind light westFRIDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine temperature -1 / Wind light to moderate southwestSATURDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine temperature -1 / Wind light to moderate southwest

There have been several natural avalanches (and the greatest concern) between 1600m and 1800m on steep or open glades on all aspects... this is where the mid December layer has been most active. On Tuesday we had reports of several small loose avalanches triggered by the sun and warmer temperatures in the alpine. On Sunday we had reports of small features being reactive to sled cutting. See here for the MIN report - great information from a low-consequence slope. Additionally, an explosives-triggered Size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche was reported on a south east aspect at 1700m near Fernie, running on the mid-December surface hoar layer (down 65cm in that location).

The mid-December layer (with variable distribution, but commonly found between 1600m and 1800m) is now buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.At higher elevations, winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an "upside-down" slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.