Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

The next storm front should arrive Friday evening and 15-30cm of new snowfall is expected by Saturday morning. Freezing levels are expected to drop to around 1000m and alpine winds are forecast to be strong from south. Another 10-20cm of snowfall is expected on Saturday with freezing levels around 1000m and strong alpine winds from the southwest. Light snowfall is forecast to continue on Saturday overnight and Sunday morning with another 10-20cm of snowfall possible. Periods of clearing are expected between storm pulses over the weekend but there is lots of uncertainty regarding the timing. Unsettled conditions are currently expected for Monday with light snowfall and sunny breaks both possible.

Observations were limited on Thursday due to the stormy conditions but natural storm slab avalanches were reported up to size 2.5. Explosives also triggered numerous storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5. Slab thickness was typically 30-40cm and up to 100cm thick in wind loaded areas. Skiers triggered several small avalanches in wind loaded features and on steep or unsupported features. Loose wet sluffing was reported from lower elevations that saw rain. Storm slabs are expected to remain very touchy to human-triggering on Saturday and natural activity is possible in freshly wind loaded terrain.

Up to 75cm of new storm snow is being reported in sheltered areas with up to 150cm in wind loaded areas. Weaknesses within or at the base of the new storm snow may need a couple days to settle and strengthen. Extreme southerly winds have created very deep and dense slabs in lee terrain, probably well below ridge crests, while scouring windward slopes. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged extensive cornice growth. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.