Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Columbia.
There is uncertainty with the reactivity of several buried weak layers. Best to adopt a conservative approach while the snowpack adjusts to the increased load from recent snowfalls.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the complexity of the snowpack’s structure.
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Mainly clear with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -9, moderate northwest wind.
Monday: Mix of sun and clouds, alpine temperature -7, moderate north wind.
Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, alpine temperature -8, light northwest wind.
Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries, alpine temperature -8, light southwest wind.
Avalanche Summary
Reports from Friday and Saturday indicate skier triggered and natural storm slab avalanches size 1-2 on all aspects. There were also a few reports of persistent slab avalanches failing on a layer of surface hoar down 80-120 cm at treeline elevations over the past several days. At least one of these was remotely triggered (from a distance). Additionally there reports of explosive triggered avalanches to size 3 in the trans Canada highway corridor on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
30-60 cm of new snow from late last week has covered a layer of feathery surface hoar that has been found at all elevations. A thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas (around treeline and below) is now 50-90 cm below the surface.
An additional layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 70-120 cm. In some areas this may sitting on a thin crust.
A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
30-60 cm of new snow accumulating late last week has formed a reactive storm slab. In some areas this may be sitting on a layer of weak surface hoar
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
There is a lot of uncertainty associated with the reactivity and distribution of a surface hoar/crust layer buried 80-120 cm. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings around treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3