Avalanche Forecast

High -

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Darn cold and partly cloudy / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -35 

THURSDAY - Cold, mostly clear / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -25

FRIDAY - Still cold, partly cloudy / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature a balmy -20

SATURDAY - Increasing cloud / light north east wind / alpine high -19

Neighbouring forecast regions reported a couple of cornice falls yesterday, as well as a natural wind slab out of extreme terrain. Ski cuts produced a size 1 avalanche in reverse loaded terrain. 

On Friday there was a report of a size 2 explosives triggered wind slab avalanche, as well as a few size 1 human triggered dry loose avalanches. There was also a report of several natural avalanches, potentially up to size 3, a MIN report outlining these can be found here.

Surface faceting and surface hoar growth is occurring with clear nights and frigid temperatures. Variable winds have redistributed loose snow developing slabs in lee features.

A weak interface may exist in some locations approximately 60 cm down and could reach its threshold with wind loading, initiating a deeper slab. At this point, this interface seems spotty through the region and hasn't been as reactive as in the Lizard-Flathead region. However, it is something to keep on your radar.  

In most places 20-50 cm loose snow and soft slab overlies a handful of surfaces: wind affected snow at upper elevations and exposed terrain, softer snow in sheltered areas, and a crust on steep, solar slopes and below 1600-1900 m. 

A solid mid-pack sits above deeply buried decomposing crust and facet layers near the bottom of the snowpack (80-150 cm deep). Though unreactive under the current conditions, steep rocky slopes and shallow snowpacks should still be approached with caution.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.