Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

The most recent avalanche reports are from last Wednesday (MIN reported whumping and shooting cracks) and Tuesday (size 2 avalanche on a north aspect at 1300 m, 20-30 cm deep and failing on facets above a crust - see photo below)

Reports have been limited (it's also been really cold). If you head out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Recent outflow winds have scoured windward faces in the alpine and loaded lee slopes. Up to 20 cm of soft snow can be found in sheltered areas.

The primary layer of concern is weak facets and in some cases surface hoar, overlying a crust. The interface is now buried 20 to 30 cm deep and extends up to 1750 m.

Despite the presence of faceted grains in the lower snowpack, there are no current layers of concern below the crust. 

Snowpack depths range from about 70 to 180 cm.

Sunday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm. 30, gusting to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16°C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries starting late in the day, up to 10 cm. 40 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10°C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 10 to 30 cm. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 5 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.