Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

The  southern interior will be under the influence of a weak high pressure system for the forecast period.  Partly cloudy skies with some sunny periods and freezing levels at valley bottom overnight, then rising to around 1000 metres during the day.    In advance of he next Pacific frontal system, freezing levels on Tuesday may rise to 2000 metres.

Numerous slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been reported in the past 2 days. Many were naturals as a result of recent storm loading. A large number were skier controlled. Many of these failed around treeline and below, on buried surface hoar, between 20-40 cm deep. Many of these were triggered remotely, highlighting the volatility of the persistent slab. An increasing number of wind slabs have also been failing at alpine/ treeline elevations, and also running on surface hoar. It is likely that a natural avalanche cycle occurred on Friday and perhaps Saturday after the warm, windy storm.

Recent snowfalls and south west winds have created new storm slabs throughout the region and wind slabs on lee features. This has added additional load and stress to an already touchy persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. The slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.