Avalanche Forecast

Poor visibility led to only a few avalanche observations over the weekend, including evidence of a natural cycle of large (size 2 to 3) wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine. We anticipate receiving more avalanche observations as the clouds clear.

Looking ahead, riders could still trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features as they slowly bond to the snowpack. There is also a possibility of triggering deeper layers described in the Snowpack Summary.

Variable snowfall amounts accumulated across the region over the weekend but most areas received around 20 cm with strong southwest wind. The wind scoured wind-exposed terrain and formed wind slabs in lee terrain features.

A melt-freeze crust is found about 80 cm deep, with reported good bonding to it. An old surface hoar layer from early January may be found about 100 to 150 cm. Neither of these layers have produced recent avalanches.

Monday Night

Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -13 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 20 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -11 °C.

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.