Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. No new snow/rain expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to around 900 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy. Light snow/rain expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with a sunny break mid-day. Light variable ridgetop wind, trending to moderate southwest in the afternoon. Freezing level around 1100 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy. 20-60 cm of snow expected above treeline. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1300 m. 

No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Wednesday or Thursday.

Avalanche activity is expected to be very minimal with cooler temperatures, a surface crust, and limited solar input.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions, avalanche observations, or even just funny stories to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.  

A frozen crust likely exists to mountain top. 5cm of recent may sit on the crust in the alpine. The crust may break down through the day if temperatures rise, and on south facing slopes during sunny periods.

The upper snowpack consists of hard, wind pressed surfaces and a series of crusts. 

The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.