Avalanche Forecast

On Tuesday, the region saw numerous dry and wet loose natural avalanches (up to size 1.5) from steep terrain features.

With new snow and strong wind forecast, expect to see avalanche danger rise on Friday.

The snow surface is highly variable and consists of a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar and/or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations.

A layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried in early December may be found down 50-100 cm, or as shallow as 30 cm around Invermere. This layer has generally gained strength and is currently not a significant problem.

The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with clear periods. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

New snow 5 to 10 cm. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. Isolated flurries. 15 gusting to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.