Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No recent avalanches have been reported. We are coming out of a long period of warm and dry conditions and low avalanche danger. Now, with significant new snow and strong wind in the forecast, we anticipate widespread avalanche activity will be very likely on Friday.

New snow is rapidly accumulating, creating reactive storm slabs. By late Friday afternoon, storm totals are expected to reach 25 to 40 cm, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds at ridgetops. This new snow is falling on a hard crust in most areas, and on facets on upper-elevation north-facing slopes. Our biggest concern will be how quickly the new snow will bond - we expect it to take several days or longer. Otherwise, the mid and lower snowpack remains dense, well-settled, and free of concerning layers.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow / possible rain below 1100 m. 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -3 °C. Freezing levels 600 rising to 1100 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -11 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.