Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Temperatures remain cool over the weekend with little snowfall expected.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with moderate northwest winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight. Isolated flurries possible. 

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels around 800 m. Moderate west-northwest winds. Isolated flurries possible bring around 3 cm in the afternoon. 

SUNDAY: Clearing skies with scattered flurries possible in the afternoon. Freezing levels remain below 1000 m. Light westerly winds. 

MONDAY: Mostly clear skies with light northeast winds. Freezing levels reach 1000 m. 

Small wet avalanche activity was reported on steep south facing slopes yesterday, as the sun weakened the surface snow. Wet avalanche activity is also expected to have occurred on all aspects as rain began overnight. Avalanche activity is expected to decrease from the drop in freezing levels. 

Observations are very limited this time of year. If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network. 

10-30 cm of new snow can be found at high elevations, sitting over a melt freeze crust or moist snow. Strong southwest winds have likely redistributed this storm snow into pockets of wind loading on north and east facing slopes. 

A widespread and supportive melt freeze crust is buried 60-110 cm deep, below recent settling storm snow. This crust has produced large avalanches within the last 5 days, however recent reports suggest that this crust is bonding well to the snow above it. 

 

Lower elevations will likely hold wet surface snow that will form a crust as temperatures cool overnight. The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• 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.