Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light south wind, alpine temperature -6, freezing level 1100mSATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, wind light southeast, alpine temperature -5SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and the chance of isolated flurries, wind light southeast, alpine temperature -7More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Recent reports indicate a size 2.5 remotely triggered avalanche 70cm deep and running on a west aspect at 2100m. Additionally several Natural avalanches running to size 3.5 on west to north aspects in the alpine and tree line. One was reported to have stepped down the persistent weakness buried in mid December. There are also several reports of steep cut banks at low elevations (below 1400m) releasing as slab avalanches down to the early season crust. Click here for a MIN report in the North Columbia region of a full burial due to a low elevation avalanche releasing on a smooth bed surface. This was remotely  triggered from a flat trail at the bottom of the slope.

The most recent storm brought variable snow fall amounts to this region ranging from 40-60cm. The storm slab has been sensitive to additional loads. Previous to the new storm, recent cold and clear weather has promoted both faceting of surface snow as well as the growth of surface hoar that had been reported to be up to 7mm in size in sheltered areas below tree line. In deeper snowpack parts of the region, the mid-December facet layer lies up to 120 cm below the surface. In shallower areas, particularly those in the southeast (Allen Creek), North (Sugarbowl) and likely some western areas around Quesnel and Barkerville, the snowpack is likely a lot more suspect, with a thicker, more pronounced facet layer buried only 50-60 cm below the surface.