Avalanche Forecast

Several wind slab avalanches have been reported in recent days, triggered by a variety of factors. Most of the avalanches have occurred around ridge crests and on multiple aspects. Notably, some slabs failed on a buried surface hoar layer, located 30 to 40 cm deep.

A thin crust or moist snow can be found on sun-affected slopes depending on the time of day. Variable wind-affected snow exists in wind-exposed terrain. While low-density, faceted powder can still be found in wind-sheltered terrain on primarily north through east aspects.

In the upper snowpack, layers of surface hoar buried throughout January are present, roughly 30 to 60 cm deep, and have shown signs of reactivity in areas where a cohesive slab has formed above.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong, with no current concerns.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear skies. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C, while areas may experience above-freezing alpine temperatures.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C, while areas may experience above-freezing alpine temperatures.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.