Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system. Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

A major storm system is expected to continue to impact the region until Monday night and may end up lingering into Tuesday morning. Snow amounts are uncertain and may be highly variable across the region. 

Sunday Night: Snowfall 20-40 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level low around 800 m. 

Monday: Snowfall 20-40 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level high around 1000 m. 

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with lingering flurries in the morning, strong NW wind easing through the day, freezing level high around 1200 m.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud, moderate to strong SW wind, freezing level high around 1500 m.

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days but observations have been very limited. 

If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.  

As of Sunday afternoon, many weather stations were showing 40-50 cm of new storm snow accumulation. This storm snow has buried a widespread, supportive melt-freeze crust. Strong southwest wind will be redistributing this new snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Lower elevations are expected to continue to see wet snow or rainfall, and wet loose avalanche should be expected. 

The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.