Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

A weak ridge of high pressure will begin to build across southern British Columbia on Monday. Scattered flurries with light precipitation amounts are expected. The ridge will strengthen Tuesday. The next system is forecast to hit the north Coast on Wednesday although models are in disagreement about whether it will be able to displace the ridge and slide down into the southern interior. Temperatures will remain mild through the period with light westerly winds.

Reports indicate that Sunday saw touchy avalanche conditions with the storm slabs reacting to ski cuts and explosive control. Expect this trend to continue.  Avalanche reports from earlier in the week described large avalanches releasing on persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack. Unfortunately the recent snowfall was not as great as anticipated the the storm didn't test the deeper week layers as much as we had hoped meaning it is going to stay on our radar for a little longer

The recent snow and wind added a moderate load to a layer of surface hoar and or facets that was buried earlier in the week and can now be found down 20-40cm. In many places these week crystals sit above a thin crust that can be found up to about 1900m on north aspects and all the way to ridgeline on south aspects. A deeper crust/surface hoar combo buried in mid-December continues to be a concern. This layer can be found between 70 and 130cm down. While it is deeper and less likely to be triggered by people, step down avalanche are possible. Near the base of the snowpack the facet/crust combo formed in November appears to be dormant for the time being.