Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Unsettled conditions for the interior regions on Tuesday and Wednesday as the ridge of arctic air slowly breaks down. Seasonal conditions should return by Thursday and a low pressure system will move into the interior from the SW.Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks possible, light snow flurries, treeline temperatures around -15C, light to moderate NW alpine winds switching to SW overnightWednesday: Light snow flurries, treeline temperatures -10 to -15C, light to moderate SW alpine winds Thursday: Light snowfall, treeline temperatures around -10C, light to moderate SW alpine winds

On Sunday two natural wind slab avalanches were reported around Revelstoke: a size 1.5 on a steep SE aspect at 2000m and a size 2.5 on a N aspect. Also reported in the area was a size 2 skier triggered persistent slab avalanche releasing on the late-Nov interface on a north aspect 40 degree slope at 1900m.Two ski cut avalanches reported on Saturday around Revelstoke. One size 1.5 storm slab on a NE aspect and one size 1 wind slab on a SW aspect at treeline.

Snowpack depths are typically 100-140 cm at treeline elevation. The upper snowpack (up to ~40cm) has undergone faceting during the recent cold temperatures. Small surface hoar has likely formed on the surface and is now buried by yesterday's snowfall.The old storm snow (~30-60cm) overlies the late-November interface which typically consists of sun crusts on steep south facing slopes and surface hoar in sheltered areas. These weak layers are expected to be persistent, although in many areas the upper slab is not yet stiff enough for slab avalanches. When temperatures rise, and we get additional snow, expect this interface to become more of a problem. Strong NE winds after the storm caused reverse loading and wind slab formation on SE through W aspects in wind exposed areas. Lower snowpack layers include a surface hoar layer roughly 60cm above the ground and an early season rain crust at the base of the snowpack. These layers have been inactive but residual risk of large, destructive avalanches exists, especially in areas with a thinner snowpack. The October crust can be found in the alpine on north aspects and the early November surface hoar is isolated within the region.