Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Monday, numerous naturally occurring size 1 to 2 wind slabs and cornice falls were observed across the region, as well as one size 1.5 rider triggered avalanche.

On Sunday, riders reported shooting cracks and small reactive wind slabs near Vantage Ridge, check out the MIN here.

Looking forward, we expect storm slabs to remain reactive to human triggers throughout this stormy period, particularly on upper elevations and lee slopes.

30 to 50 cm of storm snow has fallen since last Saturday or as rain at lower elevations. Another 5 to 15 cm are expected above 1400 m overnight, and throughout the day Wednesday.

This accumulated storm snow may be poorly bonded to an underlying crust.

Strong southerly winds are expected to build touchy cornices and form deeper deposits on north-facing slopes.

A crust or moist surface snow is expected at lower elevations.

50 to 100 cm of snow overlies a crust on south aspects and all other aspects below 1800 m from early December. A layer of surface hoar may exist just above this crust in sheltered terrain at treeline.

Snow depths at treeline vary between 90 to 140 cm.

Tuesday NightCloudy with 0 to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 45 to 55 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 700 m rising to 1400 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 2 to 9 cm of new snow. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m rising to 1200 m.

FridayCloudy. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.