Avalanche Forecast

A wind slab was accidentally triggered by a skier Sunday on a southeast slope of Nak Peak. This small avalanche (size 1) was 30 cm deep and ran 60 m. Other evidence of natural wind slab avalanches on small cross-loaded features was reported in the same area. Debris from natural slab avalanches running on the ground or on smooth rock features have been seen over the weekend. Keep sharing your observations via the MIN; it helps strengthen our information gathering.

Wind-affected snow is found in openings at treeline and above. Cold temperatures promoted the development of surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at treeline. The upper snowpack consists of 20 to 75 cm of snow, which is now covering a melt-freeze crust. The mid-snowpack is consolidated with a series of crust layers and weak faceted crystals underneath. Near the ground, the snow lacks cohesion due to early-season cold temperatures and shallow snowpack. At 1750 m, the snowpack depth is around 130 to 165 cm.

Early season hazards such as rocks and stumps still lurk below the surface. Below treeline is still below the threshold for avalanches.

An arctic ridge of high pressure will continue to be the main attraction. Conditions will be dry until the next pulse of snow system, expected Wednesday night through Thursday.

Monday Night

Mainly cloudy. No accumulation. Light northwesterly ridge wind gusting to 40 km/h. Low of- 10 C at treeline.

Tuesday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries. 2-5 cm. Westerly ridge wind up to 60 km/h. High of -6 C at treeline.

Wednesday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries. Moderate southwest ridge wind. High of -6 C at treeline.

Thursday

Snow 5 cm. Moderate southwest ridge wind gusting 50 km/h. High of -6 C at treeline.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.