Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Clearwater, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Okanagan, North Selkirk, Shuswap, South Columbia, Whatshan.
Consider the consequences of any fall in steep terrain, and continue to use safe travel habits.
Rider triggered avalanches are still possible.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a loose wet avalanche cycle was reported on all aspects, but confined to terrain below 1800m and on terrain steeper than 35 degrees.
On Monday, there were several small to large (up to size 2) rider triggered and natural avalanches reported, generally wind slabs in north or northeast facing high alpine terrain.
On Saturday, north of Revelstoke there was a large (size 3) persistent slab avalanche triggered by a helicopter landing at 2300 m on a northeast aspect.
Snowpack Summary
A frozen crust has form on the surface, possibly as high as 2500 m. 5-15 cm of new snow may be on the surface at high elevations in the north end of the forecast area.
In general, 20 to 40 cm of settling snow snow sits on surface hoar crystals that were buried in late March. Under that is a hard melt freeze crust on all aspects and elevations other than north facing alpine.
Weak faceted grains above a hard crust that formed in early February are buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. This layer is generally getting stronger, and in most places it is shielded by crusts above, but it is still occasionally producing large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1000 m. Treeline low around -4 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -1 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 0-3 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Light to moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -1 °C.
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.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate southwest through northwest winds have likely formed deeper, more reactive pockets of snow in leeward terrain near ridgetops. These slabs may not be bonding well to the hard surfaces or weak snow crystals that they cover.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2