Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Track of incoming weather is uncertain

Synopsis: A series of weakened frontal systems will affect southern interior over the next few days. The strongest system is forecast to affect the region on Monday.Saturday: Light snow – 5-10 cm. Winds should be moderate from the SW. The freezing level should remain near valley bottom. Sunday: Lingering flurries with snow possibly developing overnight. Winds remain moderate from the W-SW. Freezing level near valley bottom. Monday: Moderate snow. Freezing level could jump to 800 m.

A few small soft slabs were skier triggered on East and South aspects, and several small loose snow avalanches were reported in steep terrain. An older (approximately from Dec. 10th) natural slab avalanche size 2.5 was also observed on an East facing windloaded convex slope. The crown was an average of 60 cm deep. There was also multiple releases from explosives that ran in the new snow from North West to South East facing slopes.

Wind slabs remain a concern in exposed lee terrain in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow is also burying some older deeper windslabs on northerly aspects in the alpine. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well. The November 28 surface hoar down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m) is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests. The early November crust, down 150-200 cm, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering continues to decrease as the overlying snowpack builds and continues to gain strength.