Avalanche Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / moderate south wind / ridgeline temperature low -6 / freezing level dropping below 500 m

THURSDAY: Flurries and snow, 10-15 cm accumulating through the day / moderate south-southwesterly wind / ridgeline temperature high -1 / freezing level below 900 m

FRIDAY: Heavy snow, 20-30 cm / moderate gusting to high southerly wind / ridgeline temperature high -1 / freezing level around 700 m

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm / moderate southerly wind / ridgeline temperature high -2 / freezing level around 700 m

On Monday, riders found soft low density storm snow rapidly gaining strength and reactivity as temperatures warmed through the day. Slab avalanches size 1-1.5 and 15-30 cm deep released naturally and were triggered by skiers and explosives in the afternoon. There are some tremendous visuals in this MIN report. 

Snowfall accumulating Thursday will cover a widespread crust on most slopes and a variety of wind affected surfaces and crusts at upper elevations.

An unusual mix of facets, thin breakable crust, and isolated pockets of surface hoar is found 15-30 cm below the surface. This overlies 30-40 cm of gradually faceting snow, over a wide spread and supportive crust underneath. The snowpack is well settled below.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.