Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack. We are confident about the possible sizes of avalanches, should one release; what is less certain is the likelihood of triggering.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Isolated flurries delivering around 3 cm by morning. Moderate easterly winds. Freezing levels at valley bottom. 

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm over the day. Partly cloudy with moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels at valley bottom, alpine high of -9.

TUESDAY: 2-8 cm of snow overnight. Partly cloudy during the day with up to 3 cm of snow, moderate southwest winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Alpine high of -4. 

WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow, moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Alpine high of -2. 

No new avalanches have been reported from the weekends storm. A recent MIN report noted cross loading and wind slabs on convex rolls and above treeline elevations. We expect wind loaded features such as these to be reactive to human triggers. 

If you head out into the mountains, please let us know what you see on the Mountain Information Network. 

Fresh windslabs are building over a previously heavily wind affected snowpack. On steep, south facing terrain wind slabs may sit over a crust, increasing reactivity. 

A secondary crust is buried 20-40cm deep on south facing terrain. This layer have not shown avalanche activity within the last week. 

The lower snowpack is thought to be well protected by the layers above, and it is unlikely that avalanches will be triggered on weak, sugary crystals near the ground at this time. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.