Avalanche Forecast

A small windslab isolated to a steep south facing col was reported in the MIN yesterday. No new avalanches were observed in the highway corridor.

On Thursday isolated natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor up to size 2.0 from the steep N facing terrain of Mt. Macdonald. Avalanche control in the area on Thursday also produced small windslabs and surface sluffing.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations have produced crusts on solar aspects and an unreactive wind-slab can be found at tree-line & above in specific areas.

Although generally strong, the snowpack still sits on a deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust near the ground, which is unusual for this area. This layer has not been reactive since the last major snowfall (February 27th). While currently very unlikely, there may be a lingering possibility of triggering this high consequence problem in shallow unsupported snowpack areas. This will be something that professional and savvy recreational backcountry users factor in to their terrain use decisions for the remainder of the season.

Sunday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries accumulating to 6cm. South winds of 20-30km/hr with a high of -7C and freezing levels up to 1300m.

Sunday night and into Monday will bring snow up to 36cm with moderate to strong SW winds. A high of -4C and freezing levels reaching 1900m.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.