Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels. Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing levels fall from 2500 m to around 1200 m around midnight. Precipitation begins as rain and transitions to snow. 5-10 mm is expected in the north and east, with 10-20 mm expected in the south and far west (Sutton Pass and Arrowsmith areas). Strong to extreme southwest winds. 

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with continued snowfall of up to 10 cm. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m. Moderate westerly winds. 

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries of up to 5 cm. Freezing levels around 800 m. Moderate westerly winds.

SUNDAY: Clearing skies with scattered flurries possible. Freezing levels remain below 1000 m. Light westerly winds. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, several wind slab avalanches were observed to size 2.5 from the previous storm. Small avalanches were also observed in steep sun affected terrain. 

Observations are very limited this time of year. If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network. 

High elevations can expect 20 cm of heavily wind affected storm snow to form pockets of wind slab over a crust or moist snow on north and east facing slopes. A widespread supportive melt freeze crust is buried 60-100 cm deep, below recent settling storm snow that appears to be bonding well from recent warm temperatures. 

 

The lowest elevations will likely hold wet surface snow or a crust from overnight rainfall. The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.