Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

FRIDAY NIGHT: Storm starts with 20-30 cm, strong southwest winds, and freezing level around 1000 m.SATURDAY: Lingering flurries in the morning with freezing level briefly climbing to 1300 m, followed by cooling in the afternoon and moderate west winds. SUNDAY: Clearing skies following the storm as treeline temperatures drop to around -5 C, light winds.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light winds, treeline temperatures around -3 C.

On Thursday, two large size 2.5-3 avalanches were reported north of Grouse Mountain in a MIN post. (See video here.) The debris was several days old and likely occurred during the heavy rain event earlier this week. Observations throughout the week were limited, but similar natural activity likely occurred throughout the region.On Saturday, expect fresh storm slabs that will be thicker and more reactive at higher elevations and in exposed terrain.

Expect 20-30 cm of new snow by Saturday morning with rising freezing levels creating unstable storm slabs. The recent storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust that will be 30-50 cm deep. Some reports indicate the snow is bonding well to this crust, but that may not be the case everywhere.