Avalanche Forecast

The AvCan field team observed fairly stubborn cracking of wind-redistributed snow at Bell Mountain on Friday, giving good confirmation of an active wind slab problem. No new avalanches were reported in the region.

Reports from Thursday included one size 1 (small) skier triggered wind slab with a 25 cm crown in the central part of the region as well as an observation one additional size 2, 50 cm-deep storm slab from the recent natural cycle. More extensive observations of this cycle were again reported farther south in the more heavily trafficked Selkirks and Monashees.

Although persistent slab activity haas been on the decline, it hasn't been totally quiet. On Wednesday, clearer weather allowed for observations of a natural avalanche cycle from the previous 24 to 48 hours. The most most notable observation here was a size 3 persistent slab avalanche that initiated on a steep north slope at 2000 m. The slab was 100-130 cm deep.

Up to 20 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate over higher terrain in the region by end of day Saturday under the influence of strong southwest winds. This will add to 60-100 cm of storm snow from the last week with similar elevated winds.

The recent snow appears to be forming a good bond with the plethora of old snow surfaces beneath it, including previously wind-affected snow at upper elevations, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, faceted snow, and surface hoar crystals in wind-sheltered terrain.

Two layers of surface hoar crystals and/or melt-freeze crust sit in the upper meter of the snowpack. The surface hoar is most likely found around shaded treeline and lower alpine elevations. The melt-freeze crust is found up to 1800 m on all aspects and into the alpine on sun-exposed slopes. Although these layers continue to be tracked by local operators, they have not produced recent avalanches and are likely trending toward being dormant.

The most concerning weak layer in the snowpack is composed of large and weak facets from November located near the base of the snowpack. Although this layer hasn't produced avalanches recently, it continues to guide terrain selection by professionals in the region.

Saturday night

Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Light to moderate southwest winds.

Sunday

Cloudy with increasing snowfall bringing 5-10 cm of new snow, continuing overnight. Light rain below about 1400 metres. Strong southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -2 with freezing levels rising to 1600 meters.

Monday

Cloudy with easing flurries with about 15-25 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. Light to moderate southwest winds, easing over the day and shifting west. Treeline high temperatures around -7.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with about 5 cm of new snow from overnight. Light northwest winds shifting southwest. Treeline high temperatures around -9.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.