Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the fact that cornice falls are particularly difficult to forecast.

The ridge of high pressure over the BC interior will weaken on Wednesday morning as a Pacific frontal system pushes eastward spreading snow to the coastal ranges.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, no precipitation, 5-15 km/h southwesterly winds, low treeline temperature 0 C with freezing level at 1300 m.

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries starting in the afternoon, accumulation 5-10 cm, 10-20 km/h southerly winds, high treeline temperature 0 C with freezing level at 1300 m.

THURSDAY: Snow, accumulation 25-30 cm, 40-60 km/h westerly winds, high treeline temperature 0 C with freezing level going down to 1000 m.

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, 20-40 km/h northwesterly winds, high treeline temperature +3 C with freezing level at 2300 m.

No new avalanche activity have been reported over the last few days.

If you head out into the mountains please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Heavy rain and warm temperatures have saturated the surface snow to around 2100 m, forming a surface crust as temperatures cool the wet snow. Below this, snow is moist down 25-50 cm where several previous crusts sit that are currently breaking down. 

Around 150 to 200 cm deep, sugary faceted grains may sit above a melt freeze crust, that formed during the cold spell in late December. Reports suggest that the snowpack may be bonding well to these layers. The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

• Large cornice falls are dangerous on their own.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.