Avalanche Forecast

To the immediate north of our region, there were three wind slab avalanches reported. These were size ones that were triggered accidentally and naturally. These were found at elevations as low as below treeline.

There have been no new avalanches reported in our region this past week. This is expected to change with Sunday night's change in weather.

By Monday morning 30 cm will have accumulated overnight and join the 20 cm that has accumulated since Friday. These totals will cover a crust on solar aspects and at lower elevations, it may not bond well. Southerly winds have created wind slabs in exposed terrain.

In general, the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded.

If you are a visual learner click here to get a look and explanation of the current snowpack.

Sunday Night

Cloudy, 25 to 30 cm accumulation mixed with rain, winds southwest 35 km/h gusting to 70, freezing levels reaching 1300 m.

Monday

Cloudy with possible afternoon sunny breaks, precipitation tapering in the morning with 5 cm accumulation, winds southwest 25 km/h gusting to 50, with freezing levels rising to 1200 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with sunny periods late in the day, 10 to 15 cm accumulation with higher amounts to the western regions, winds southwest 30 km/h, freezing levels 500 rising to 1000 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, trace accumulation, winds northwest 15 km/h gusting to 30, freezing levels 500 rising to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• As the storm slab problem gets trickier, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.