Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

New snow and wind are forecast which will lead to an increase in avalanche size and likelihood this weekend. Both storm slabs and persistent slabs are expected.

On Thursday, there was a size 1.5 natural cornice failure near Blue River.

10 to 25 cm of new storm snow is expected by the end of the day Saturday, adding to 10 to 15 cm on a melt-freeze crust that extends to ridge top on all aspects, except northerly slopes above 1700 m.

A weak layer formed in February, consisting of facets, surface hoar, or a crust, is found 30 to 60 cm deep. Additional weak layers formed in January are present within the upper 100 cm of snow, including faceted snow, crusts on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar in shaded terrain.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 10 to 25 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 20 to 45 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
• Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices.
• Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.