Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Synopsis: A very strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern. In the extended period the models are not breaking down the ridge as quickly, so it looks like Saturday will be dry throughout the province.Wednesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NE | Mod, E at ridgetop.Thursday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N Friday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N

No new avalanches were observed Monday. Facets on the surface continue to sluff away in steep terrain.

In most areas, a widespread weak layer is now buried by up to 10cm of new snow, but has yet to become a problem. This weak layer consists of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on south facing slopes, faceted grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of the above. This variable weak layer is expected to become a problem when/if it finally starts snowing again. The rest of the upper and mid-snowpack are generally well consolidated. A facet/crust weakness near the bottom of the snowpack has gone dormant for now but may rear it's ugly head again in the future. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche unlikely but the consequences would be very serious.