Avalanche Forecast

Recent storm snow was reactive to human traffic during Tuesday's stormy weather (e.g., as seen here). We also suspect that a natural avalanche cycle may have occurred out of very steep terrain features.

Looking to Thursday, it may remain possible for riders to trigger storm slab avalanches. Best to give the snowpack a bit of time to settle and bond. Avoiding cornice exposure is also a good idea, as they are very large and looming at this time of year.

20 to 30 cm of snow from Wednesday is likely starting to bond to the 100 cm of snow that accumulated since the weekend. The storm fell with strong southerly wind, meaning deeper and toucher slabs may be found in lee terrain features in alpine terrain. Reports suggest there are no deeper concerns and that the remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Wednesday Night

Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy skies with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1000 m.

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 15 to 20 cm, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1000 m.

Cloudy with snow switching to rain, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Choose relatively conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.