Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Monday, a size 2, natural storm slab avalanche was observed on a north facing slope at 2100 m. The avalanche ran on a weak layer buried at the end of January.

Numerous skier-triggered, size 1, loose dry avalanches were reported. Backcountry users continue to note cracking and whumphing while traveling through terrain at all elevations.

Storm snow totals range from 30 to 60 cm. Deeper deposits are found in wind-loaded areas. The new snow is bonding poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.

A weak layer of surface hoar buried, 30 to 80cm deep, has been the culprit of many natural and human-triggered avalanches this week. Where this layer is preserved it will remain reactive to human triggering.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy with a chance of flurries, 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 3 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.