Avalanche Forecast

Over the last 2 days our field team did not observe any new avalanche activity but observed evidence of the natural cycle that occurred during the warm storm earlier in the week. In White Pass, up to size 2 avalanches were widespread at treeline and isolated in the alpine and in the Wheaton area widespread at all elevations, up to size 2.5.

At upper elevations, 10-40 cm of recent dry snow has been redistributed by strong southerly winds, shifting northerly as of Thursday. This recent snow has been observed to be bonding well to an underlying crust, reaching up to 1500 m in White Pass and 1200 m in the Wheaton area.

Thursday night

Partly cloudy with a trace of new snow. Light southeast ridgetop wind, switching to southwest by the afternoon. Treeline low around -20 °C.

Friday

A trace of snow in the morning then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -25 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest ridgetop wind 40-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around -25 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow. Southwest ridgetop wind 50-60 km/h. Treeline temperature warming up to -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.