Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Synopsis: A broad and persistent trough of low pressure of the coast of BC will maintain a westerly-southwesterly flow with mild and wet conditions for the next few days. A strong frontal system should move across southern BC on Tuesday bringing heavier precipitation and rising freezing levels. Monday: Light to moderate snowfall – 5-15 cm; the freezing level is around 800 m; winds are light to moderate from the southwest. Tuesday: Moderate to heavy snow – 15-25 cm; the freezing level could jump to 1200 m; winds are strong from the southwest. Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries; the freezing level lowers to valley bottom.  

There are limited recent observations; however, it is likely that was a natural avalanche cycle on Saturday and into Sunday. Avalanche activity should continue and increase over the next couple days. We welcome all observations at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Instabilities may exist within or under the recent storm snow. A surface hoar layer or thin crust may be found at the base of the storm snow, down 40-60 cm, but we have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of this layer in this region. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 125cm down in some locations, remain a concern for deep step-down avalanches. Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.