Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Overnight snowfall is expected to total about 5-10 cm in most of the region. The southern parts of the region may see up to 15cm. Another ridge is forecast for Friday that should bring mostly clear skies and light winds during the day. The next Pacific frontal system is expected to move inland from the coast during the evening. Moderate snowfall combined with moderate southwest wind is expected during the morning, turning to flurries in the afternoon. Forecast amounts are about 5-10 cm total. Southern parts of the region may again see a little bit more snow. Light flurries are expected to continue on Sunday.

A couple of thin (20-25cm) soft wind slab avalanches have been reported in the Kootenay Pass area. These avalanches were size 1.5 - 2.0 that ran on the recently buried surface hoar/facet combination.

Another 5-10cm of snow on Thursday has brought the total to about 15-25 cm of dry snow above the major surface hoar created at the beginning of the month. Some thin windslab may have developed in the alpine due to moderate westerly winds. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets.