Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.

Monday night: Cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow, strong west winds becoming northwest, freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Tuesday: Cloudy, up to 5 cm of snow, moderate southwest winds gusting to strong, freezing level 1100 m.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud, 5-15 cm of snow overnight, west winds decreasing to light, freezing level below 800 m.

Thursday: Cloudy, 20-30 cm of snow, strong southwest winds, freezing level 1000 m.

No new avalanche observations have been reported. 

Up to 15 cm of new snow and strong winds from the west are expected to continue to build reactive wind slabs at upper elevations. 

40-70 cm of recent snow may overlie a layer of surface hoar on north-facing aspects near and above treeline, and observers have reported reactivity in snowpack tests. See this MIN for a helpful illustration. Surface hoar is an exceptionally weak layer not often seen in this region, and it typically takes longer to heal. This persistent weak layer warrants investigation and a conservative terrain use strategy. Check out the latest forecaster blog that offers a deeper dive into these conditions. 

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled. Depth varies from around 250 to 300 cm at the peaks of the North Shore mountains (1400 m), tapering rapidly with elevation. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.