Avalanche Forecast

A strong Pacific frontal system will be focused on the coastal mountains today, reaching the Interior overnight. Unfortunately we'll see little change in this region on Wednesday.  On Thursday, snow amounts near 3-7 cm accompanied by moderate SW winds and freezing levels rising to 2000 m. The approaching upper trough will bring unsettled conditions throughout the weekend where more snow (7-15 cm) will fall.

No recent avalanches have been reported. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack observations have been very limited. Initial reports suggest there is enough snow above around 1700 m for avalanches to occur. Terrain below treeline is reported to be below threshold for avalanche activity. Current surfaces are a mix of stubborn wind slabs and crusts in exposed higher elevation terrain, and loose faceted snow and surface hoar in more sheltered areas. About 15 cm below the surface you may find a thick rain crust which exists up to at least treeline elevation. Where it exists, this crust has added strength to the current snowpack. That said, the combination of a crust, facets and surface hoar could prove to be a significant weak layer when it finally snows again. In general there is a lot of uncertainty regarding snowpack structure throughout the region. I would dig down and test for weak layers before committing to any steeper lines.