Avalanche Forecast

An Arctic high pressure system is expected to shift southward on Tuesday bringing cold and mainly dry conditions to the region.

Monday Overnight: Partly cloudy, moderate to strong NE-SE winds, treeline temperature around -10 °C.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with flurries in the morning, light to moderate SW winds, treeline high around -12 °C. 

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud, moderate SW winds, treeline high around -14 °C. 

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries, moderate to strong W winds, treeline high around -10 °C.

On Sunday, a natural size 2 storm slab was reported near Valemount on a south aspect in the alpine and a natural cornice triggered storm slab was reported near Blue River on a northeast aspect which was 40-50 cm thick. A MIN Report describes triggering some small avalanches on steep slopes in the Barkerville area. 

On Tuesday, wind slabs are expected to be the primary concern in the region. The wind on Monday night is expected to become northeasterly so wind slabs should be expected on all aspects. 

The region typically saw 15-25 cm of new snow over the weekend with strong SW winds which formed reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. Another 10-20 cm of new snow is expected to have fallen on Monday. Over the past week, 60-90 cm of storm snow has accumulated in the region. This snow overlies the two interfaces from early December. The December 7 interface consists of a thin crust which may have small surface hoar above it and the December 1 interface consists of a thick crust with facets. These layers appear to have stabilized through most of the region but may be still reactive in isolated areas. The lower snowpack is now generally well settled and stabilized although an old, faceted crust may be present near the base of the snowpack. 

• Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.