Avalanche Forecast

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -11 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C.

No recent avalanches were reported. Wind-affected snow and cracking was identified around Cheam in the south of the region (see this MIN). 

Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool, unsettled weather trend. However, always be ready for the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep, alpine terrain, cornice failures, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.

10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. A surface melt-freeze crust is found at treeline and below, which may moisten during daytime warming.

Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack, which reports suggest are bonding well. There are no deeper concerns at this time.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.