Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Wednesday, wind slab avalanches were observed on freshly wind affected slopes, and wet loose avalanches occurred at lower elevations.

Size 2–3 persistent slab avalanches have been reported this week in the Selkirks, triggered naturally (including cornice falls) and remotely, mainly on north-facing alpine terrain.

With rapid warming expected, avalanche activity is likely to increase.

Dry snow lingers over crust on high north-facing slopes. Wind affected surfaces exist elsewhere at high elevations, from variable winds throughout the region. South facing slopes and lower elevations will become moist from sun and warm temperatures.

Surface hoar buried 30–70 cm deep has been reactive this week in the Selkirks, mainly on sheltered north-facing slopes between 2200–2600 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, but older weak layers 100–250 cm deep could still be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, especially on high, north facing slopes.

Thursday Night

Clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 500 m.

Friday

Clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures rise to +8 °C. Freezing level rises to 3000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow above 2000 m, isolated areas may see higher amounts north of Revelstoke. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 2000 m, treeline temperatures around -1 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with flurries. Light and variable winds. Freezing levels around 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.