Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Natural slab avalanches as big as size 2.5 were observed Thursday from the steep north facing terrain of Mt. Macdonald & Mt. Green.

On Wednesday, a field team triggered loose, moist avalanches below tree-line in steep, unsupported terrain.

Isolated natural activity was observed along the highway corridor Monday/Tuesday this week. Avalanches were dry, loose sluffs from steep terrain.

A thin surface crust exists below tree-line & warm temps are settling 20 cm of new snow into a slab, which overlies a spring like surface. This includes soft snow in protected terrain on polar aspects, breakable crust on steep solar aspects, and wind slab in exposed terrain at ridge top.

A strong crust (widespread below 2500m) is down 50cm.

The mid to lower snowpack continues to round - except in isolated areas of the alpine where an unusually thin & faceted snowpack exists.

A cold front approaches bringing snow and strong winds.

Tonight: Cloudy/flurries, Alp low -6°C, ridgetop winds W light, FZ Lvl: 1300m

Fri: 4cm, Alp high -6°C, Mod to Strong to Extreme SW wind, FZ Lvl: 1300m

Sat: 10cm, Alp high -5°C, light/gusting mod SW wind, FZ Lvl: 1300m

Sun: 22cm, 10cm, Alp high -4°C, light/gusting to mod W wind, FZLvl: 1200m

• Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.