The upper snowpack continues to adjust to the recent spring-like weather. Watch for surface snow turning wet and be wary of cornices.
Strong solar radiation and warm temperatures may still produce moist surface snow and a wet-loose avalanche hazard. As temperatures drop and a crust forms this problem will disappear.
A layer of weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most likely to be problematic in steep, wind-loaded terrain where the snowpack depth varies from thick to thin. Especially in the northern part of the region around the Chilcotins, Birkenhead, and Hurley.
Wet-loose avalanches to size 1.5, occurring on east-to-south aspects, likely solar-induced, were reported over the weekend.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
A sun crust has formed on all aspects up to 1800 m and solar aspects at all elevations. 20 to 40 cm of dry, unconsolidated powder snow remains on the surface in northerly-facing terrain above 1800 m.
The mid-snowpack is well consolidated.
A layer of weak, sugary facets at the bottom of the snowpack continues to be a lingering concern throughout the region.
Monday night
Clear with cloudy periods. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 800 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 2000 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 2000 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
