Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

THURSDAY: Sun and cloud, moderate to strong east winds, alpine temperatures at -15.FRIDAY: Flurries with 5-15 cm of new snow, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperatures at -12.SATURDAY: Flurries with 5 cm of new snow, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperatures at -10.

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday, but previous reports include natural size 1 storm slabs in steep rocky terrain and in the lee of a ridgetops. Wind slabs may remain reactive on wind loaded features at higher elevations, or where they sit over preserved surface hoar.

Storm snow from the past weekend is gradually settling throughout the region. Storm snow totals in the Coquihalla area were 40-60 cm, while northern parts of the region only received 10-30 cm. Storm snow instabilities appear to be settling out, with the greatest potential for triggering in wind affected terrain at higher elevations. Surface snow has begun to facet and soften with the cold air temperatures, and will likely create a weak interface when the next storm arrives. Buried surface hoar layers have been reported in the northern part of the region, including a 30 cm deep layer at treeline in the Duffey area that was reactive to skier triggering on the weekend, and a 60 cm deep layer in the Pemberton area. There is no recent information on the reactivity of these layers. A widespread crust can be found 70-100 cm deep throughout the region. Although this layer has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests, cold temperatures will promote facet growth around the crust and make it possible to trigger this layer in shallow wind-affected starts zones.