Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Widespread natural activity occurred during the recent warm storm. Avalanches included storm slabs at higher elevations, and wet avalanches below the freezing line.

Remotely triggered slabs continue to be reported on the surface hoar layer, at treeline and above primarily on north and east facing slopes (however this layer may be reactive on all aspects).

Human triggered avalanches are still likely at higher elevations, where slabs sit over the weak surface hoar.

Strong winds will redistribute 5-15 cm of new snow into deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes, this sits over a rain crust that has been observed up to 1900-2100 m throughout this region (treeline and above). A concerning layer of surface hoar is now buried 30-60 cm deep. Many avalanches released in steep terrain and may have destroyed this layer, but it likely still lingers unaffected features.

At lower elevations wet snow has likely refrozen into a hard crust.

The middle and base of the snowpack is largely weak and faceted. A hard crust may be found near the ground.

Treeline snowpack depths are variable and generally range between 60 and 100 cm. Snowpack tapers rapidly as you move lower in elevation.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with no snowfall expected, Northwest winds, 10-20 km/h.

Saturday

Increasing cloud with up to 5 cm of snow possible in the afternoon, southerly winds increase to 30-50 km/h, treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Snow continues overnight 1-5 cm expected.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, light snowfall continues with up to 5 cm possible. Southwest winds 10-40 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy, no snowfall expected. Treeline temperatures around -9 °C. Light and variable wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.