Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.
• We are uncertain about how persistent slabs will react to the forecast weather.

On Monday a natural storm slab avalanche cycle began. Avalanches occurred on all aspects and elevations. Most of the avalanches that were reported were size 2.5 but avalanches up to size 3 have been reported. We suspect that larger avalanches have occurred but observations have been limited due to poor visibility.

Recent snowfall amounts throughout the region have been variable; 30 to 100 cm of storm snow has been redistributed into deep deposits on north and east aspects. Ongoing rain has saturated the upper snowpack below treeline. A thick crust from earlier this month can be found down 70 to 120 cm at treeline and below.

Three concerning weak layers of surface hoar, facets and/or crust that formed in January and February are found down 100 to 250 cm deep.

The lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of rain at treeline, snow in the alpine. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Thursday
Cloudy. 5 to 20 mm of mixed precipitation at treeline, rain at lower elevations. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 15 to 40 mm of mixed precipitation at treeline, rain below. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2°C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.