Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Synopsis: An Arctic ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather over the next week bringing cold temperatures and clear skies to most of the province. Wednesday: Mainly sunny. Treeline temperatures are around -15 to -20. Winds are moderate from the North. Thursday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -20 to -25. Winds are moderate from the Northeast.Friday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -20 to -30. Winds are moderate from the North-Northeast.

Observations are limited; however, one reporter observed several recent storm or wind slabs up to size 2 on Monday. Areas to the south in the Monashees have reported a number of natural and rider triggered avalanches up to Size 3 in the past couple days.

Variable snowpack depths are being reported across the region but typically 30-50 cm of storm snow fell last weekend on approximately 1m of old, well-settled snow. The storm slabs overlay a variety of old snow surfaces including (1) winds slabs and wind scoured areas in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline, (2) sun crusts on steep south facing slopes, and (3) surface hoar in sheltered areas around treeline elevation and below. Northerly winds on Monday and Tuesday have likely redistributed snow and created dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain (South and West facing).There are still two layers of concern within the mid/lower snowpack: the early November surface hoar is down roughly half way (50-60cm) and the October rain crust is near the ground. While these layers have recently become dormant, the weight of the new storm snow may cause these layers to reactivate in isolated areas causing large, destructive avalanches. The October crust can be found in the alpine on north aspects (likely east and west as well). The early November surface hoar appears to be spotty and drainage specific.