Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

SATURDAY NIGHT: No significant precipitation expected, light west/southwest wind, freezing level near valley bottom.

SUNDAY: A few clouds at dawn building to overcast by lunch, a few cm of snow possible during the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 1700 m. 1 to 5 cm expected Sunday night.

MONDAY: Overcast, 5 to 10 cm of snow possible, strong southwest wind, freezing level around 1700 m. Another 1 to 5 cm possible Monday night.

TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, moderate west wind, freezing level around 1500 m.

No new activity to report from Friday. On Thursday we received two reports of small rider triggered wind slab avalanches on north and east facing terrain in the alpine in the northern portion of the region.

On Wednesday loose wet avalanches were reported on south facing slopes at treeline and below to size 2.5. 

On Tuesday, several size 2-3 wet avalanches were naturally triggered by sun, warm temperatures and cornice falls in western terrain near the Bugaboos, with some failing at the ground. 

Small pockets of wind loaded snow may sit on north and east facing slopes in the alpine. A crust exists on all aspects as high as 2500 m, softening in the afternoon at all elevations with warm temperatures and sun creating moist surface snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels. 

At 30 to 75 cm below the snow surface, a sun crust can be found on solar aspects from March. The recent warm weather seems to have helped this layer bond. 

A thick rain crust with facets above from early December is buried around 150 cm deep. Large avalanches were naturally triggered on this layer during the most recent warm temperatures in western terrain near the Bugaboos. Continued avalanche activity on this layer is unlikely with cooler temperatures forecast. 

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.