Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Large avalanches failing on the early December weak layers continue to be reported, although the frequency of these reports has decreased since late last week. Most recently, a natural and an explosive-triggered size 3 avalanche were observed on Tuesday, both around treeline elevations.

In addition, repeated large avalanches (size 2 and greater), including remote triggers, have been observed over the past week, underscoring the ongoing instability of this layer.

Up to 50 cm of new snow has accumulated since the weekend, with lower amounts in inland areas. Significant southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into deeper deposits in leeward terrain. A layer of weak surface hoar crystals may persist beneath the new snow, particularly on wind-sheltered slopes.

Deeper in the snowpack, approximately 100 to 200 cm below the surface, layers of crusts, faceted crystals, and/or surface hoar buried in early December remain a concern. These layers have been responsible for several large avalanches over the past week.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled with no current concerns.

Thursday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Friday

Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
• Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.