Continuously monitor conditions as you move through terrain
Storm slabs may be more reactive at higher elevations
As the freezing level rises wet loose avalanches will become more likely
Rider triggerable storm slabs may still be found at higher elevations. The largest and most reactive slabs will likely be found on northerly aspects.
Wet loose avalanches are possible with warming.
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region, but observations are limited. We suspect natural avalanche activity took place overnight on December 17th during the peak of the storm.
If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN)
By early morning on the 18th 20 to 30 cm of snow fell in less than 24 hours. This new snow was accompanied by southerly wind likely forming deeper deposits on northerly aspects.
20 to 50 cm overlies a crust on south aspects and all aspects below 1800 m. A layer of surface hoar could be found just above this layer in sheltered terrain at treeline.
Snow depths at treeline are around 80-120 cm.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow expected. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with light rain expected. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 mm of precipitation. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
