Danger is gradually decreasing with cooling temperatures but continue to use a cautious approach to avalanche terrain.
The likelihood of avalanches on buried weak layers is decreasing, but we are uncertain how quickly. High-consequence slopes should be approached with caution.
Wet loose avalanches are likely where the upper snowpack is saturated from rain and prolonged elevated freezing levels.
The natural avalanche cycle observed on the weekend and earlier in the week due to the warming event has begun to taper with cooling temperatures.
A fatal avalanche involving one snowmobiler occurred in the Hasler riding area last Saturday. The avalanche was triggered in a wind-loaded east-facing chute feature at treeline and ran approximately 250 m. For more details on this incident, see the Fatal Avalanche Incident report.
Moist or crusty snow surfaces exist from recent rain and warm temperatures. In the alpine isolated pockets of wind-transported dry snow exist. At lower elevations the snowpack is isothermal.
Several weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack were producing large slab avalanches during the recent warming event. This activity is expected to taper with cooling temperatures.
In areas east of the Divide the snowpack is shallow and faceted with depths of 60 to 100 cm around treeline.
Thursday Night
Mainly cloudy with periods of light rain or snow. Alpine wind south 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1800 m.
Friday
Cloudy with periods of light rain or snow. Alpine wind southwest 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1700 m.
Saturday
Mainly sunny. Alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h from the west. Treeline temperature -7 C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h from the northwest. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
