Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

A strong ridge of high pressure keeps BC dry until a major weather pattern change takes place beginning this weekend. 

THURSDAY NIGHT: A few clouds, no precipitation, 10-15 km/h southwesterly wind, treeline low temperature -5 C, freezing level at 350 m.

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, 10-20 km/h southwesterly wind, treeline high temperature 0 C, freezing level at 1100 m.

SATURDAY: Periods of snow, 5-10 cm, 90-100 km/h southerly wind, treeline high temperature +2 C, freezing level at 1200 m.

SUNDAY: Snow, 10-15 cm, 50-70 km/h southwesterly wind, treeline high temperature +3 C, freezing level at 1300 m.

On Tuesday, the Avalanche Canada field team reported thin wind slabs which were reactive to human-triggering in the far north of the region. These may be still reactive with the cold temperatures.

For the rest of the region which saw substantially less recent snowfall, a widespread surface crust is making avalanches unlikely. 

Through most of the region, a thick and supportive melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations sits on the surface or just below a few centimeters of recent snow. The exception is the far north of the region around Mt. Cain where pockets of thin wind slabs were reported to have formed above the crust in exposed high elevation terrain.

The prominent late-January crust is now down 20-60 cm and is well bonded to the surrounding snow. The mid and lower snowpack is considered well settled and strong. 

Shallow snow cover at low elevations leaves many hazards like stumps and creeks exposed at or just below the snow surface.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.