Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels. Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing levels fall from 2500 m to around 1200 m by morning. Precipitation will fall mainly as rain and may transition to snow. 10-30 mm is expected, tapering off early morning. Strong southwest winds. 

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with continued snowfall of around 5 cm. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m. Moderate westerly winds. 

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels around 800 m. Moderate westerly winds.

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

High freezing levels and a mix of rain and snow overnight may produce a natural avalanche cycle. 

On Tuesday, widespread size 1 wet loose avalanches were observed in the afternoon. This MIN report describes a size 2.5 storm slab which had occurred during the storm and is visible from the highway. 

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. 

Up to 30 mm of precipitation overnight with falling freezing levels will create a mixed bag of conditions on Friday.

The lowest elevations will may hold wet surface snow or a crust from overnight rainfall. As elevation increases, precipitation will begin as rain and turn to snow. Up to 30 cm is possible at the highest elevations, which will likely be deposited into wind loaded features on north and east facing slopes by strong southwest winds over a new melt freeze crust. 

Another widespread and supportive crust is buried 50-90 cm deep, below recent settling storm snow. This crust has been previously reactive to human and natural triggers. 

The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded. 

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.