Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy skies with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1500 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with morning snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1100 m.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light west wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 700 m.

Observations are very limited right now, with recreationists starting to get into the mountains and operations opening soon. We haven't received any reports of recent avalanche activity. The new snow coming this weekend may not bond well to the underlying snow at higher elevations. The most likely place to trigger a large avalanche would be where the ground is smooth, such as on glaciers, rock slabs, scree slopes, or grassy slopes.

If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing that information with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

There is high variability of snow accumulation in the mountains. Below about 1500 m there is presently no snow. At alpine elevations, you may find between about 50 and 100 cm of snow. Snowfall this weekend will accumulate and may not bond well to the underlying snow.

What varies dramatically is the ground roughness -- areas with a lot of ground roughness (for example big boulders, trees) will mean the snow is discontinuous and make it difficult to recreate in but also more difficult to trigger avalanches. Areas with smooth ground (for example glaciers, scree or grass slopes, rock slabs) may be better for recreating on, but the smooth ground is where avalanche activity is the most likely.