Avalanche Forecast

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days. The snowpack structure is mostly striaghtforward and not unusually variable.

Pretty benign weather is expected through the weekend. A little pulse may impact the area Sunday.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate southeast wind, trace of snow expected.

SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light southerly wind, no significant snowfall expected.

SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate southerly wind, a few cm of snow possible during the day with up to 5 cm Sunday night.

MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong southerly wind, 2 to 10 cm of snow possible.

No recent avalanche activity reported, but this MCR report from the Powder Valley points to an avalanche that likely occurred earlier this week.

Widespread surface hoar has been growing on the surface in the region, it's not a problem right now, but it's something to consider for when it starts snowing again.

As per usual, you can find aging hard wind slabs in the alpine, but they seem to be confined to the bigger more extreme terrain features immediately lee of ridge crest.  

There are not any concerns of note in the upper snowpack aside from wind slabs.

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 this 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, however there is potential for a weaker snowpack structure in inland areas such as the Wheaton Valley. 

• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.