Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Synopsis: A frontal system will move through southern BC on Tuesday bringing moderate snow, very strong winds, and slightly rising freezing levels. Unsettled and cooler conditions are expected in the wake of this system.  Tuesday: Moderate snow – 10-20 cm; the freezing level could jump to 1000 m; winds are very strong from the southwest. Wednesday and Thursday: Cloudy with flurries; the freezing level lowers to valley bottom.

There are limited recent observations; however, it is likely that was a natural avalanche cycle on Saturday and into Sunday. Avalanche activity should increase again on Tuesday with forecast moderate snowfall and very strong winds. We welcome all observations at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Instabilities may exist within or under the recent storm snow. A surface hoar layer or thin crust may be found at the base of the storm snow, down 40-60 cm, but we have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of this layer in this region. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 125cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches. Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.