Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

Thursday night - Mainly clear / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -7 / freezing level at or near valley bottom

Friday - Cloudy with sunny periods / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1700 m

Saturday - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries, 3-5 cm / moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1300 m 

Sunday - Mainly sunny / light west wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m 

Wind slabs may continue to be reactive in lee terrain features, especially in areas that have received higher recent snowfall amounts.

A few size 1.5 dry loose and wet loose avalanches were reported on Tuesday. No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday.

Anywhere between 5-20 cm of new snow fell in the region with Wednesday's storm. The highest amounts were near Nelson and Kootenay Pass. Moderate southwest winds may form reactive wind slabs in lee terrain features.

The new snow likely sits on a crust in most places, except above 2000 m on northerly aspects, where it likely sits on older wind slabs or soft snow. 

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.