Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche activity has been limited to small (size 1 to 1.5) wind slabs avalanches since the storm on Wednesday. On Wednesday, there was one explosive controlled size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche at treeline. It failed on a 50 cm deep layer of facets sitting on a crust that formed mid-January.

As the wind continues to blow in the coming days, wind slab avalanches will be the main concern.

Up to 30 cm of snow from earlier this week has now been redistributed by predominantly west and southwest winds. This likely sits on previously formed wind slabs. A melt-freeze crust can be found below 2100 m. It may be on the surface on windward slopes and buried 35 to 60 cm in lee terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack.

The average snowpack depth is 130 cm. Up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

Saturday night

Mostly clear skies, no precipitation, 40 to 60 km/h west wind, treeline temperatures drop to -10 ºC.

Sunday

Sunny periods in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, no precipitation, 50 to 70 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures to -5 °C with freezing level climbing to 1500 m.

Flurries with 5 cm of new snow, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures to -4 °C with freezing level climbing to 1500 m.

Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, 30 km/h north wind, treeline temperature drops to -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.