Avalanche Forecast
The northeast wind is coming, and expect the past 80 cm of storm snow to be easily transported. Expect the avalanche danger to increase in the alpine.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
A few natural size 2 (large) wind slab avalanches were reported at 1300 m on north aspect terrain. It's likely that a widespread natural event occurred during the past storm event but poor visibility hampered observations.
Please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network to help us and fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
The storm last week delivered to this region between 40 to 80 cm of new snow. Winds were strong from the southwest during this event, and terrain exposed to this wind has been stripped with new snow building into wind slabs on north aspects.
During the past storm event a period of warming brought rain up to nearly 1500 m and now a melt-freeze crust can be found down 70 cm.
During mid-November, a period of cooling temperatures created a weak layer above the 1200-meter mark and can be found down 80 cm.
Average snowfall depths are around 20 to 60 cm below the treeline and 100 to 120 cm in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with light flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 40 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -18 C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with light flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 50 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -20 C.
WednesdayMostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow, 60 to 80 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -30 C.
ThursdayMostly cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 40 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -21 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Both north and south wind have transported available snow. Wind slabs will be found on all aspects. Use caution when entering terrain below ridgelines.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
The past week's storm snow is forming a slab that may not bond well to the underlying snowpack. The layer of concern formed mid-November is composed of faceted grains, surface hoar, and a hard crust and can be found down 40 to 80 cm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5