Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No avalanches have been reported in the region yet this season. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you are out in the backcountry.

In the north a crust likely exists on all but high north terrain. In the south it is more likely that a crust exists on all aspects and at all elevations. In sheltered features surface hoar can be found above this crust.

No significant layers have been identified in this minimal snowpack, which is for the most part still below threshold depths for producing avalanches. Steep, isolated patches of wind-drifted snow could have the potential to produce small avalanches in alpine gullies and on smooth surfaces like rock slabs.

Snow depths throughout the region range from about 30 to 60 cm at treeline, increasing with elevation. Some wind loaded spots may hold up to 90 cm.

Wednesday Night

Increasing cloud throughout the night, no new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, trace amounts of new snow, westerly alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind increasing to 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with  10 cm of new snow expected by early morning, west alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
• Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.