Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On the weekend, multiple very large avalanches were reported near Terrace. We haven't had any new observations since then, likely due to poor visibility in the stormy weather. But we suspect an ongoing natural avalanche cycle to continue through the storm into Tuesday.

Please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

60 to 100 cm of recent snow will become moist and heavy Tuesday as the rain line climbs up the mountain. Recent snow sits over small facets and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas and firm surfaces in exposed terrain.

A crust from early November can be found between 1 and 2 m deep. Below this prominent crust are several other crust layers from October.

 

A series of frontal systems from the south bring warm, moist air to the region. This means generally high freezing levels and wet precipitation. Between Tuesday and Thursday, expect freezing levels (and the rain/snow line) to fluctuate rapidly and vary from north to south within the region.

Monday night

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow above ~1500 m, mixed precip or rain below. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow above ~2200 m, moderate rain below. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising from 1600 to 2500 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of new snow above 1800 m, light to moderate rain below. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising form 2000 to around 2300 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of new snow above 1500 m, light to moderate rain below. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.