Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, South Columbia, Whatshan.
Continue to choose conservative terrain.
We have some uncertainty in how quickly the snowpack will gain strength.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days , we've seen consistent avalanche activity on the mid January facet layer detailed in the snowpack summary as well as avalanches releasing on deeper layers. Widely propagating slabs have been triggered naturally, by riders and even remotely, up to size 3. Avalanche activity has been observed at all elevations and at all elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Light snowfall continues to accumulate in the alpine and be redistributed by southerly winds. Elevated freezing levels and rain have moistened the surface at treeline and below.
A layer of facets formed during the mid January cold snap can be found down 30 to 70 cm. This layer has been actively producing avalanches and is expected to continue as it is stressed by the new load.
In the Selkirks, another crust/facet/surface hoar layer buried in early January, now 60-90 cm deep remains on the radar.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with up to 3 mm of rain expected, south alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 2100 to 2500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 35 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain possible, southeast alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 2100 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 mm of rain expected, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Several layers of concern exist in the top 150 cm of the snowpack. Elevated freezing levels have made these layers more reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are likely at all elevations in steep terrain. Where wet snow overlies a crust wet slabs are possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2