Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Regions
Northwest Inland.
A brief lull between storms should make for some good riding. Pay attention to areas of wind-affected snow.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Dry with clear periods.MONDAY: Clouding over with light snow starting in the afternoon, 2-4 cm. Winds increasing to moderate southwesterly. Treeline temperatureas around -10C.TUESDAY: 5-10 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -4C.WEDNESDAY: 10-15 cm new snow. Strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to around 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
I'd be very surprised if there was no avalanche activity in response to Saturday's storm.We often have a hard time getting reports of avalanche activity from this region, so if you see anything, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN). Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
The most recent storm deposited 30-40 cm new snow with strong winds from the west. Buried under the snow in sheltered areas, you may find one or two weak layers comprising surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or facets (sugary snow). The upper one may have been buried around December 22 and is likely buried 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.Three different parties have reported recent whumpfing in the Telkwa and Hankin areas, possibly on the facets near the base of the snowpack, or on one of the other weak layers. This indicates the snowpack should not be completely trusted at this time.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.