Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Jan 2, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for wind slabs in unusual places as we head into a clear cold week.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    With recent winds coming from a variety of directions watch for signs of stiff or slabby snow on less commonly loaded slopes. Denser slabs found on south aspect slopes could be made more unstable by the sun.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Sunny, 10-20 km/h east winds, alpine temperatures around -20.TUESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, 10-30 km/h northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -20.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, 10-30 km/h northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -18.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural wind slabs were reported in the Selkirks and north Monashees on Sunday, typically in the size 2 range. Looking ahead to Monday, expect wind slabs to remain reactive to human triggers.

Snowpack Summary

The region received 50 to 100 cm of new snow between Christmas and New Years. This snow has been redistributed by strong winds that have come from a variety of directions and loaded leeward and cross-loaded features. Sunny skies this week will promote settlement of the snow on open south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar interface can be found buried 80-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with little to no recent avalanche activity in the region. The layer may still be reactive in isolated areas such as steep south-facing slopes and thin snowpack areas in the northern and eastern parts of the region. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

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