Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy / Strong west wind / Low of -25

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwest wind / High of -19

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light north wind / High of -21

SATURDAY: Sunny / Strong northwest wind / High of -17

Explosive control work on Wednesday produced numerous size 3 wind slab avalanches in the alpine.

Numerous naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Monday. See MIN report.

Recent winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects and created a lot of variability in the upper snowpack.

A crust from early December is now 60-100 cm below the surface, and is found up to 2400 m. A layer of weak facets (sugary snow) has been reported above and below this crust. This is the layer of concern in our persistent avalanche problem, snowpack tests are generally showing hard results on this interface, however, areas where avalanches have recently failed on this crust continue to be problematic once reloaded with new snow. 

Below 2300 m, several early-season crusts make up the lower snowpack. Snowpack depths range from 80-150 cm at treeline elevations and taper quickly below 1900m.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.