Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Jordan, Kokanee, North Columbia, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, Whatshan.
Dangerous avalanche conditions.
Avoid large slopes, overhead hazards and steep terrain, especially during the heat of the day on sunny slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday and Sunday
A widespread natural avalanche cycle with mostly large avalanches (up to size 3.5) happened in the region, on all aspects and at all elevations. There was a concentration of avalanche activity on north and east aspects in the alpine and at treeline.
Some avalanches at treeline and became wet and entrained a lot of debris.
Many avalanches stepped down to weak layers buried in the snow pack.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of snow continues to accumulate atop layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes.
Below these layers, the upper snowpack is largely faceted and poorly bonded with another layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes. This layer, buried in late January, varies in depth but generally exists within the upper 100 cm of snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Avalanche danger is expected to increase throughout the day.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
A combination of new snow, wind, and mild temperatures will form reactive storm slabs at all elevations. Slabs could be particularly touchy in wind-loaded features and may be wet at lower elevations
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5