Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Clearwater, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Okanagan, North Selkirk, Shuswap, South Columbia, West Purcell.
Watch for pockets of wind slab in alpine lees and loose avalanches out of steep sunny slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A handful of skier-triggered wind slab avalanches up to 30 cm deep were reported in the alpine over the last few days. Most were small (size 1), with one solar-triggered size 2 observed in the central Selkirks.
Last week, cornice failures were notably not propagating any weak layers on slopes below but there was one report of an anomalous remotely skier-triggered size 2 failing on moist snow below a recently buried crust.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of new snow falls over widespread crusty surfaces on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where snow is dry and likely wind affected. There are no deeper concerns at this time.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries bringing a trace. <20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2300m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are possible to trigger in lee terrain features at upper elevations. They may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
The sun can pack a punch at this time of year. Expect solar-triggered loose avalanches on steep slopes if the sun comes out.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5