Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 20 to 30 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 20 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -7 C.

Most reports on the weekend indicated minimal avalanche concern across the region. However, the possibility remains of triggering avalanches as snow continues to accumulate with increasing wind in the coming days.

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow accumulated over the weekend, along with light to moderate southwest wind. Reports indicate that the snow surface is generally soft, particularly in sheltered areas around treeline, with areas of wind-affected snow in exposed alpine. These conditions are expected to continue for the coming days, with small amounts of new snow and more light to moderate south to southwest wind.

Around Log Cabin, around 40 cm of snow may overlie a layer of surface hoar. This layer was the culprit of avalanche activity last week. This layer has not been reported elsewhere in the region.

A buried crust from early December can be found 60-100 cm below the surface, but most reports suggest the snow is well-bonded to it.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, but there is potential for a generally thinner and weaker snowpack structure to exist in inland areas, such as the Wheaton Valley. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.