Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over the past few days with many large avalanches observed. Storm slabs were observed at higher elevations, which transitioned to primarily loose wet activity on Thursday.

Looking to Friday, new storm slabs are the most likely avalanche problem. Assess for the bond of all the new snow prior to committing yourself in steep terrain.

Around 25 to 50 cm of snow is expected to accumulate by Friday, with the most found at higher elevations. This snow rests on a wet snowpack that will slowly transition to a melt-freeze crust. The extensive rain from earlier this week likely moistened the entire snowpack to ground.

Snowpack depths are approximately 50 to 80 cm at treeline, which rapidly decreases as you lower in elevation.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow, west alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
• Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.