Avalanche Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 10 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm with local amounts up to 30 cm possible, 20 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

This MIN describes the recent snow as being reactive but only producing small avalanches. Looking forward, riders have the potential of triggering this recent snow, particularly in steep, wind-loaded terrain features.

Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.

Anywhere from 5 to 30 cm of snow is forecast to accumulate on Tuesday with strong southeast wind. This adds to the 25 cm that accumulated over the past couple days in the middle of the island and 5 cm in the north. The snow may be blown into wind slabs in steep terrain features at higher elevations. Local areas that receive more than 20 cm should watch for storm slab development. All this snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and melt-freeze crusts.

• Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.