Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Dogtooth, Esplanade, Glacier, Goat, Gold, Jordan, North Columbia, North Selkirk, South Columbia, West Purcell.
Choose conservative, low consequence terrain and give the storm snow more time to settle
Recent snowfall amounts are variable, continuously assess and verify conditions
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle took place on Sunday with storm slab avalanches on all aspects and elevations. These avalanches ranged in size from 1 to 3. Numerous rider triggered avalanches were also reported, these were generally up to size 2.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall amounts in the region are variable, 20 to 70 cm has fallen with strong southwest winds, forming deeper deposits on north and east aspects. This new snow overlies a crust on all aspects and elevations except north facing slopes above 1800 m. Surface hoar can also be found near this interface on sheltered features.
A weak layer, composed of facets, surface hoar, or a crust from mid February, is found 50 to 100 cm deep. Â Another weak layer from late January is just below.
The remaining snowpack is well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will likely remain rider triggerable. Assess new snow amounts, the more you find the larger and more sensitive slabs will be.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers from January and February May still be rider triggerable in shallow areas. Storm slab avalanches could step down to these layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3