Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Strong southwest wind / Low of -21

SUNDAY: Snow; 5-15 cm / Strong southwest wind / High of -14

MONDAY: Snow; 5-15 cm / Moderate southwest wind / High of -9

TUESDAY: Cloudy / Light west wind / High of -10

No new avalanches were reported on Friday.

We've had consistent reports of persistent slab avalanches on reloaded bed surface crusts from the Invermere area this month. On Thursday, a size 1 was triggered remotely by bootpacking on a thin northeast aspect in the alpine. Explosive control work on December 26th produced large avalanches (size 2) on the crust found 40-70 cm deep.

Forecast snow and strong southwesterly winds on Sunday are expected to form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

 A layer of weak surface hoar crystals may exist under the recent snow at treeline and below. 

 

The most notable layer of concern in the snowpack is a crust that was formed in early December and is now down 60-120 cm. Activity on this layer has been sporadic. It has generally been triggered on steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

This layer has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario which is best managed through conservative terrain choices and disciplined backcountry travel techniques.

A late October facet/crust layer sits at the bottom of the snowpack above 1900m. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
• Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.