Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 15-20 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 

THURSDAY - Isolated flurries, up to 10 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6

FRIDAY - Flurries, 10-20 cm / southwest wind, 20-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7

SATURDAY - Snow, 15-30 cm / southwest wind, 20-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4

On Wednesday, a small (size 1) avalanche was triggered remotely by a vehicle traveling along an exposed ridgeline. Small windslabs gaining reactivity in the alpine was reported.

On Tuesday, small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches were triggered by explosives and skier traffic on East, North, and West aspects above 2000 m; average depth 5-25 cm. 

Two surface hoar layers in the upper (30 cm) snowpack are providing poor bonding surfaces for new snow. With forecasted new snow and wind, storm slabs will become increasingly reactive, extending to all aspects and elevations.

15-35 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Wednesday morning. This new snow has likely buried a weak layer of surface hoar in many areas. This new snow combined with southwest winds is likely forming reactive slabs, especially at higher elevations. 

A weak layer that was buried about a week ago is now down 20-50 cm. This layer is variable and has been reported to exist as either a crust or surface hoar. This layer may react easily to human triggers.

Another crust that was buried in early November can be found near the base of the snowpack. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, however it may be possible to trigger it from shallow, rocky terrain.

• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.