Avalanche Forecast

Friday night: 10-20 cm new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods, southwest wind easing to light, freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday: Increasing cloud with flurries, moderate southwest wind, freezing level 1300 m.

Monday: 20-30 cm new snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1300 m.

Explosive control work has produced wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 over the last couple of days.

Our eyes and ears in the mountains are limited at this time of year and may continue this winter due to fewer professional observations. If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing it with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos are especially helpful. A big thank you to those that have already shared their observations thus far.

10-20 cm of snow was forecast overnight amid strong southwesterly wind, likely producing thick slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.

The snowpack depth varies substantially with elevation. Below treeline 30 to 70 cm, 80 to 100 cm near treeline, and around 150 cm may be found in the alpine.

A melt-freeze crust found about 50 cm from the snow surface has been reported up to an elevation of at least 1800 m. Reports suggest that the snowpack is well-bonded to this crust. Another melt-freeze crust is found about 30 cm off the ground surface, which may have a thin layer of weak and sugary faceted grains above it. There also may be a thin layer of feathery surface hoar crystals found above the crust, particularly in sheltered terrain features at and above treeline. There is uncertainty as to whether these layer will be a concern going forward.

• Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
• Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.