Avalanche Forecast

High

On Tuesday, riders triggered a few large avalanches 30 to 50 cm deep on northeast terrain in the alpine. One large avalanche 80 cm deep also released naturally on a south aspect.

These add to the several wind slab avalanches reported in the recent days, mostly found at ridge crests on varying aspects. Many of these avalanches are releasing on the weak layers described in the Snowpack Summary.

Widespread surface hoar growth has taken place recently, particularly around treeline elevations and below. A crust can be found on the surface of all south or sun-affected terrain. Where sheltered from the wind, snow surfaces are a mix of old wind effect and low-density faceted snow.

Dry January conditions have created a weak, faceted upper snowpack with multiple surface hoar and crust layers within the upper 50 cm. These layers have shown signs of reactivity in areas where a cohesive slab has formed above.

The mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-settled and strong, with no current concerns or significant instability noted.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.