Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Wednesday, riders triggered a few small size 1 wind slabs in several areas.

A large (size 2) natural slab was reported on Tuesday, failing on a sun-affected slope. Skiers also ski cut a few small wind slabs in wind-affected terrain.

On Sunday, explosive control in the Duffey area produced several large (size 2-2.5) wind slab avalanches that failed on the weak layer below the storm snow.

Looking forward, we expect triggering wind slabs to remain possible.

30 to 50 cm of storm snow from the weekend has remained dry and powdery with the cold temperatures. Upper elevations have had some wind-effect and wind slabs may be found near ridgetops. The accumulated storm snow is sitting on a weak layer that developed in late January. In most areas, this layer consists of a hard slippery crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. This layer only seems to be a problem where the snow has consolidated into a slab overtop, such as in wind-affected areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Thursday Night

Clear Skies. 5 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.