Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

WEDNESDAY: Periods of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday, accumulations 10-25cm. Higher amounts concentrated in the south of the region/ wind light to moderate northwest / alpine temperatures -11 THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / wind moderate northwest / alpine temperature -9  FRIDAY: Mainly sunny / wind moderate to strong north / alpine temperature -14

Recent reports indicate a few size 1-1.5 remote triggered (triggered from a distance) avalanches in the alpine and tree line. These are isolated to the most recent storm snow. Additional reports show natural wind slab avalanches to size 2 in the alpine on north and east aspects in the alpine along with skier triggered and natural size 1 loose snow avalanches in steep terrain at tree line and in the alpine. As snow amounts continue to accumulate and settle in the coming days, expect to see an increase in avalanche activity.

15-40cm of new snow accumulating over the past 5 days now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have had previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and/or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.