Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Clearwater, Gold, Jordan, Kootenay Boundary, North Columbia, North Okanagan, Rossland, Shuswap, South Columbia, South Okanagan, Whatshan.
Assess for the bond of the new snow before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any reports of recent avalanche activity.
Please consider submitting your observations to the MIN if you head to the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
Anywhere from 5 to 15 cm of snow is forecast to accumulate by Thursday afternoon with southwest wind. This snow will build on surface hoar crystals that overly soft or wind affect snow on northerly alpine terrain or a hard melt-freeze crust elsewhere.
Weak faceted grains above a hard crust that formed in early February is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The layer is strengthening and is currently dormant.
The remainder of the snowpack is settled.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New slabs could form, particularly in areas that receive 15 cm or more of snow. Deeper deposits could be found in lee terrain features near ridgetops.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5