Avalanche Forecast

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Friday night: Isolated flurries, partly cloudy with starry breaks. West-southwest winds, 25-35 km/hr. Alpine temperature low -4 C. Freezing level dropping below 1000 m.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Southwest winds 20-50 km/hr. Alpine temperature high +1 C. Freezing level 1500 m and rising by end of day.

Sunday: Wet snow and rain, 30-50 mm. Southwest winds 35-45 gusting to 70 km/hr. Alpine temperature high +3 C. Freezing level 2500 m. 

Monday: Tapering flurries, 5-10 cm. Southwest winds 30-40 km/hr. Alpine temperature high +1 C. Freezing level 2000 m and dropping.

A natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight Thursday-Friday, large storm slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) in alpine and upper treeline features were reported Friday morning. Through the day, explosives triggered large (size 2) storm slab avalanches.

30-50 cm fresh snow through Friday covered a variety of pressed surfaces and a supportive supportive mid-November rain crust. The snowpack is drying out from the mid-November rain event, but moist snow is still found below the crust and to the ground.

Snowpack depths range from 40-70 cm at treeline elevations. Expect to find a deeper snowpack at higher elevations and in wind-loaded areas. Snowpack depths decrease rapidly below 1500 m.

Early season hazards are very real right now, be wary of thin/shallow snowpacks, rocks, stumps, creeks, and other sharks hidden under fresh snow.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.