Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

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. The next Pacific frontal system will move into the area late Thursday afternoon with freezing level forecast to rise above 2000 metres.

Reports continue to advise of natural, skier remote, skier controlled and explosive result avalanches up to size 3. Many of these failed on a crust/facet interface 30 to 50 cm from the surface . Moderate to winds, new snow and rising temperatures increase the  likelihood of avalanches. Human triggering remains a real possibility through the forecast period.

Conditions are widely variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be easily triggered by a skier or sledder. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now 40 to 80cm down in some areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.