Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

On Thursday, there was a report of a large (size 2) natural avalanche near Blowdown as well as one small, skier-controlled avalanche within the storm snow.

On Wednesday, there were several small (size 1) human-triggered storm slabs triggered in the top 20 to 30 cm.

20 to 30 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by strong south and west wind.

This sits on a variable layer including: a breakable crust on south-facing aspects, wind-affected snow on north-facing terrain, and spotty surface hoar in sheltered features.

The mid-December crust is 90 to 150 cm deep, except on wind-scoured alpine features, where it could be on the surface. This crust is well-bonded to the snow above. Above 2200 m, this crust is absent, and a layer of facets and a crust from November is found at the base of the snowpack. These layers are not currently a concern.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Up to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Saturday
Cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow, with the most to the east and north of Pemberton. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.