Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Light snow and southwest wind expected for the forecast period.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.

THURSDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong south/southwest wind, a few cm of snow possible during the day with 5 to 10 cm of snow possible Thursday night.

FRIDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light to moderate south wind, trace of snow possible.

SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light to moderate south wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.

There has been almost no recent reported avalanche activity aside from the formation of small wind slabs immediately lee of ridge crest.  

Continued southwest wind has resulted in the formation of fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations. Terrain features immediately lee of ridgecrest should be especially suspect.

A subtle and aspect-dependant new layer of surface was reported on the surface in the White Pass area on Sunday. This will be something to track as forecast flurries bury it this week.

A buried crust formed in early December can be found 60-100 cm below the surface, but most reports suggest the snow is quite well-bonded to this crust. There was one observation last week where facets were found above the crust, but that appears to be an anomaly rather than the norm. 

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, but there is potential for a generally thinner and weaker snowpack structure to exist in inland areas such as the Wheaton Valley. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
• Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.