Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, West Purcell, Whatshan.
Buried surface hoar remains a concern on north-facing terrain.
Take the time to dig, identify, and test this layer, as it still needs more time to settle and bond effectively.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend a small to large (size 1 to2) Loose wet avalanches where reported with one additional cornice failure observed.
Last weeks avalanche activity on the buried surface hoar layer included naturally triggered slabs to size 3, and human-triggered to size 2, including remote triggers.
These occurred on high elevation north facing slopes in the Selkirks. Reactivity is most notable in wind affected terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions at higher elevations vary from wind affected surfaces to crusts on south facing slopes. Steep solar aspects are expected to become increasing less cohesive as warm overnight temperatures and daytime highs continue to climb.
A reactive layer of surface hoar on sheltered north facing slopes can be found 30-70 cm deep, at upper treeline and alpine elevations. This layer is present as a crust on south facing slopes.
Several melt freeze crusts can be found throughout the upper snowpack. Weak layers buried in early March, February, and January are now anywhere from 150 cm to 250 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy with flurries. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Surface hoar produced large and remotely triggered avalanches on north through east facing slopes at high elevations. On south facing slopes this layer exists as a crust and may be reactive during warming or periods of strong sunshine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Isolated wind slabs exist at upper elevations. Watch for wind loaded features near ridgelines and mid slope rollovers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches become more likely on sun affected slopes if the surface crust breaks down.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2