Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A few natural wind slab avalanches have been reported on north and east aspects throughout the week. Most of them have been small (size 1), although the AvCan field team did see one larger (size 2) wind slab that likely occurred on Monday (photos here).

30 to 40 cm of recent storm snow can still be found in wind-sheltered terrain, while exposed alpine terrain has likely been impacted by strong southerly winds. The recent snow is well bonded to underlying layers, with the possible exception of steep wind-loaded slopes. Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and closer to 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.

Friday night

Cloudy with snowfall, 2-5 cm accumulation. Treeline temperatures rising from -12 to -7 C. Ridgetop winds 30-50 km/h from the south.

Saturday

Snowfall continues into the morning, 2-5 cm, gradually tapering in the afternoon. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Ridgetop winds increasing throughout the day to 30-50 km/h from the south.

Partially cloudy, scattered flurries. 30-50 km/h south wind decreasing in the afternoon. Treeline temperatures around -10 C.

A mix of sun and cloud, light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures around -10 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.