Avalanche Forecast

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

MONDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near -25 

TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -25

WEDNESDAY - Sunny / moderate east wind / alpine high temperature near -20

THURSDAY - Sunny / moderate to strong southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -15

Small, dry loose avalanches may be possible in steep, sheltered terrain where the snow is still soft. Triggering wind slabs may also be possible in extreme terrain.

This MIN does a great job of highlighting the lingering wind slab problem that exists in more extreme terrain. There are a few more great MINS that shed light on recent riding conditions too.

In wind-sheltered locations, you may find up to 10 cm of light snow sitting on old, unreactive slabs that may be softening in the cold temperatures.  

In wind exposed terrain, the wind effect is extensive and vast fields of sastrugi can be found.  

A buried weak layer of surface hoar may still be found around 90 cm deep. It was found around Log Cabin and also in Powder Valley (see here). Avalanche activity on this layer hasn't been reported since the first week of January and isn't expected to spike without a substantial snowfall or warming trend.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass but a thinner and weaker snowpack structure is expected inland, such as in the Wheaton Valley and the south Klondike.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.