Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

A Pacific frontal system will be dominating the coastal regions tonight. This system will move into the Interior regions on Friday bringing light –moderate snow accumulations.  Through the weekend a NW flow will set up, bringing cooler, dryer conditions and partially sunny skies. Freezing levels remain in valley bottom through the period.Friday: Alpine -7, snow 5-10 cm, winds W 20km/hr.Saturday: Alpine -9, snow 5 cm, winds W 20km/hr switching NW.Sunday: Alpine -13, trace snow, winds NW 15km/hr.

Recent avalanche control work in the Dogtooth Range produced Size 1.5-2.0 avalanches, running on the November 17th surface hoar layer. This layer is reactive to light loads, which means it could easily be triggered by a skier, or sled. If you and your friends have been out  riding in the backcountry, and have observations to share, please send an email to [email protected].

Snowpack observations and information are very limited, and conditions across the region vary. In the alpine I suspect anywhere from 150-200 cm of snow. Wind slabs are reported to be widespread at treeline and in the alpine. The most suspect slopes that host touchy wind slabs are leeward (North-North East) and behind ridge crests and terrain features. An couple early season persistent layers also exist. The most reactive being a surface hoar layer that was buried on November 17th. This is buried down 25-50 cm. The early November crust also exists deeper in the snowpack and widespread in the alpine. At this point it seems to be unreactive in the Dogtooth Range, but may catch you by surprise in other parts of the region. Snow depths at treeline are roughly sitting around 50-100 cm in depth, and below treeline snow levels may still be below threshold.