Expect the sun and warm temps to trigger small, loose avalanches on Friday.
Many early season hazards are present in this below average snowpack.
The Winter Permit System is in effect! Take the quiz and get your permit.
A weak layer is present at the bottom at the snowpack. It is more likely to be triggered in shallow, rocky areas. Travelling in terrain with a deeper snowpack is the best way to manage this problem. Use caution when stepping out into bigger alpine features that have not been ridden this year.
On Thursday, we observed numerous solar triggered, loose, dry avalanches size 1. Expect this activity to continue on Friday, with clear skies and a potential inversion.
On Wednesday, we observed one natural avalanche sz 2, along the highway corridor, from the steep terrain off Mt MacDonald.
If you witness avalanches on your backcountry tour, please submit a MIN with your observations.
Expect a surface crust forming on steep terrain facing the sun. 10-15 cm below the surface is a thin crust on steep solar aspects and spotty surface hoar.
The height of snow at treeline is approx. 80cm, which is 40cm below average. Expect many rocks/trees lurking at and just below the snow surface.
The base of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets and may collapse in shallow, rocky zones, producing large "whumpfs".
A ridge of high pressure brings an extended period of dry conditions.
Tonight: Few clouds, Light ridge winds, Alp low -7*C, Fz level: Valley bottom
Thurs: Mix of sun/cloud, light N winds, Alp high -1*C, Fz level: 1300m
Fri: Mix of sun/cloud, light NW winds, Alp high -2*C, Fz level: 1100m
Detailed weather forecasts can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
