Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Freezing levels climb to 1500 m Wednesday before dropping back to 1200 m overnight and then stay steady near 1200 m throughout the forecast period.  Expect strong to extreme winds to develop out of the west around lunchtime Wednesday.  These winds should persist throughout the forecast period as a series of low pressure systems cross the province.  The forecast calls for light snowfall beginning in the wee hours of Thursday.  I expect 5 - 10 cm of snow Thursday morning, an additional 5 - 10 cm Thursday night and 5 - 15 cm Friday.  Timing and intensity of the storm should become clearer as the week goes on. 

No recent avalanche observations.

Surface hoar probably blankets many slopes in the region.  It *could* be a problem when it starts snowing later this week.  Alpine snow depths are somewhere between 1 - 2 m.  Depths quickly drop below threshold at and below treeline.  An early season rain crust exists near the ground from rain events in late Oct./early Nov.  Wind exposed terrain at and above treeline likely harbors isolated wind slabs that range from 50 - 100 cm in depth.