Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Several natural avalanches, including a size 2 that covered both lanes of the highway, occurred along the 132 and 198 highway corridors during Thursday's storm.

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With Thursday's storm, 15 to 25 cm of new snow was added for a total of about 20 to 35 cm above the January 18 ice crust, which is of variable hardness depending on elevation. In open areas, storm snow was moved by moderate to strong winds, first from the east and then from the west, to form isolated wind slabs up to 30 to 50 cm thick.

Under the January 18 crust, there are 15 to 20 cm of snow, generally well settled, which covers facets resulting from the decomposition of the January 2 melt-freeze crust. This interface rests on a mixture of laminated crusts and flat-faced grains at the base of the snowpack.

In general, the height of the snowpack ranges from 70 to 105 cm.

A passing cold front will bring increasing cloud cover followed by a few flurries beginning early Saturday afternoon. Sunshine and cooler temperatures are expected for Sunday.

Friday evening and night: Mostly clear, southwesterly winds 20 to 30 km/h, minimum -15 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud, becoming cloudy in the afternoon followed by flurries, 1-2 cm, southerly winds 30 to 50 km/h, maximum -2 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud, becoming cloudy in the afternoon followed by flurries, 3-5 cm, westerly winds 10 to 20 km/h, maximum -13 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday: Periods of snow, 1-2 cm, northwesterly winds 10 to 20 km/h, maximum -12 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.