Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

Tuesday night - Mainly clear / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -1 / freezing level 2000 m

Wednesday - Increasing cloud, flurries beginning in the afternoon, 5-10 cm overnight / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 2000 m

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1600 m 

Friday - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1700 m

Wind slabs may linger at higher elevations, especially in the areas that saw the most snow over the weekend. Pay attention to recent patterns of wind loading, and back off if you encounter whumpfing, cracking, or hollow sounds.

No new avalanches were observed on Saturday. A few size 1 dry loose avalanches were reported on Sunday. No new avalanches were reported on Monday.

Anywhere from 0 to 20 cm of snow accumulated above 1800 m across the region over the weekend, with the highest amounts near Kootenay Pass. The snow fell with southwest wind, likely forming wind slabs where sufficient snow exists. The snow fell onto a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except above 2000 m on northerly aspects, where it fell onto previously dry snow. The snow surface is likely a crust on sun-exposed slopes.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.