Avalanche Forecast
There is a lot of uncertainty with the reactivity of deeply buried weak layers. Conditions like this are best managed by sticking to lower-angle terrain away from any overhead hazard.
Read more in our latest forecaster blog.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in the past few days in the region, however observations are limited.
Looking forward, wind slabs will continue to form but concern for step-down and large natural and human-triggered deep persistent slab avalanches is at the forefront of our minds. Check out this video on incremental loading to learn more.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Strong west and northwest winds will continue to affect wind-exposed terrain and build fresh wind slabs in lee areas. Previous warm temperatures and precipitation have left a crust at lower treeline elevations and on steep solar aspects.
Snowpack depths are shallower than average, and several buried weak layers have been a concern over the past few weeks. Surface hoar or crust layers in the mid-snowpack may exist in this region.
The most concerning layer in this area is at the base of the snowpack. Large, weak facets buried in November are widespread. This layer is most likely problematic in steep, rocky alpine terrain, where shallower wind slab avalanches can scrub down to these basal facets.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm. Ridge wind northeast 20-30 km/hr. Alpine temperature -18 C. Artic air bringing cold temperatures and northerly outflow winds.
Saturday
Increasingly Sunny. Ridge wind north 15-30 km/hr. Alpine temperature -20 C.
SundaySunny. Ridge wind northwest 15-30 km/hr. Alpine temperature -20 C.
MondayMainly sunny. Ridge wind northeast 20-40 km/hr. Alpine temperature -20 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
- In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent northwesterly winds have redistributed recent snow and pressed surfaces. Expected continued transport and new slabs where wind impacts loose snow. Northeast arctic outflow winds may reverse-load features and build slabs in less common areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A layer of large and weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer has most recently been problematic in upper treeline/lower alpine elevations. Riders are most likely to trigger an avalanche on this layer in steep, shallow previously undisturbed terrain, or by first triggering a layer further up in the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5