Avalanche Forecast

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

One last pulse out of the recent active weather system will affect the region Friday evening before a strong ridge of high pressure anchors itself over Eastern BC for the weekend. Skies clear and cooler temperatures pervade under the ridge which will bring freezing levels down to valley bottom. On Saturday you can expect moderate winds out of the W and a daytime high of -9 with overnight lows dropping slightly to -12. A weakening system slides into the region Monday bringing light precipitation and cloudy skies.

Numerous avalanches from size 1 - 2 have been observed at all 3 elevation bands (BTL, TL, ALP), with failures occurring within the recent storm snow. Interesting to note that a size 3 was observed below treeline in the region yesterday, I suspect the mid December Surface Hoar was to blame.

70-100 cm of total storm snow has fallen since Christmas. Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are widespread in the alpine. Wind slabs can also be found in wind exposed areas at and below treeline. The mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep and remains a concern for backcountry users. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as incremental loading gradually adds more weight to this weak layer. Slopes that have not avalanched in the last week are of particular concern for this persistent weakness. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.