Avalanche Forecast

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

New snow is accumulating. By late Friday afternoon, storm totals are expected to reach 25 cm in the western parts of the region, accompanied by moderate southwesterly winds at ridgetops. The southeastern parts of the region near Manning Park, are expecting 10 to 15 cm. If these snowfall amounts play out, the avalanche danger will be lower there.

The new snow is falling on a hard crust, facets or surface hoar, and is expected to build reactive storm slabs. 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 3 to 10 cm of snow - Highest amounts forecast for the northwestern parts of the region. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 5 to 20 cm of snow - Highest amounts forecast for the northwestern parts of the region. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -2 °C. Freezing level 500 m rising to 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.