Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

FRIDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with flurries, 5 cm / southwest wind, 50-80 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 1300 m

SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries / southwest wind, 40-80 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1500 m

SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / southwest wind, 30-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2000 m

MONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / southwest wind, 30-40 km/h gusting to 75 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2000 m 

There were a few reports of both natural and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 2 on Thursday and Friday. 

Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network. Thank you to those that have already submitted this winter!

Up to 20 cm of recent new snow and strong to extreme southwest wind have likely formed reactive wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.

This recent snow means there is now 30-50 cm above the early December crust which exists up to approximately 2000 m. Use caution if you find cohesive snow above this crust; there may be weak faceted grains above or below the crust. 

The base of the snowpack consists of a hard melt-freeze crust from early-November that may have faceted grains around it. There has not been recent avalanche activity on this layer but it remains on our radar. The most likely spot to trigger it would be on thin and rocky slopes.

Snowpack depths vary substantially in the region with the average snowpack depth at treeline being approximately 100 cm.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.