Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

A frontal system over Northern BC tracks inland tonight/tomorrow, the Northern parts of the region may see light amounts of precipitation Wednesday into Thursday am. Wednesday: Cloudy, with scattered flurries. Ridgetop winds moderate-strong from the NW. Treeline temperatures near -10. Freezing levels valley bottom rising to 8-1300 m by late afternoon. Thursday/Friday: Few flurries in the am. Mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Overcast on Friday. Ridgetop winds moderate from the West, getting stronger from the SW through to Friday night. Flurries expected overnight. Freezing levels 12-1200 m both days.

A widespread natural cycle occurred on Monday. Operators have reported naturals from size 1-3, on all aspects and elevations. Numerous skier triggered avalanches also occurred all size 1. I suspect conditions will still remain touchy, and unpredictable.

Over the weekend, 60-100 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures are creating storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) buried in February are the main concern at all elevations and could be easily triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like a sled or skier). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow. If the sunshine appears, I'd be weary of south facing slopes affected by solar radiation. Large cornices have formed, and may act as potential triggers on slopes below. They may step down to a persistent weak layer.