To complement recent posts, and the CAA Bulletin I would like to offer the following observations/ information about the current snowpack and avalanche hazard in the central Selkirk Mountains. These observations are a combination of mine, other guides, and neighboring commercial operations and guides working in the area. The general area these observations are gathered from is from the West Glacier Park boundry, to the Columbia Valley (Revelstoke), and from the Akokolex river in the South, to Carnes Creek in the North.
The current snowpack is exhibiting the dangerous combination of instability (high liklihood of triggering), and large destructive potential (Consequence). We have been witnessing an ongoing natural and explosive triggered avalanche cycle for the past several days, which we expect to continue through the weekend. The number of large, destructive and climax avalanches we have observed over the last 48 hours has been humbling to say the least. Several of these avalanches are in the Class 4 size, and are overrunning known historical runouts. Many have destroyed mature timber to the sides and below avalanche tracks and runnout zones. The fact that the local highways have been closed off and on since Wednesday due to avalanche hazard and control are further evidence of the problem
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The avalanche activity has been widespread on all aspects and elevations, from high alpine faces, to below tree line glades. Most of the slabs are failing on the Christmas facet interface which is buried under between 80 and 150cm of recent storm snow. The overlying slab is very cohesive now, and overlies this weaker, looser layer of sugary crystals; hence the large propogations. Some of the lower elevation activity seems to be failing even deeper into the snowpack on the late november and early december crust interfaces and scrubbing to ground in some spots.
This afternoon the latest storm moved in with increasing winds and a snowfall warning for the next 24-36 hours in the region. Expect the avalanche activity to continue through the weekend.
Conservative terrain use or avoidance are critical to remaining safe in the mountains this weekend. Avoid exposure to any overhead hazards and be carefull even in heavy timber near runouts and fans. Skier triggering could also be possible in terrain over 30 degrees.
Be carefull if you are out in the mountains this weeked!!
Jeff Honig
Mountain Guide