Avalanche Forecast

A few small loose avalanches were observed on sun-exposed slopes over the past few days. On Monday, a natural, size 2 avalanche was reported in steep, rocky terrain on an east aspect. The avalanche was likely triggered by a cornice failure due to solar radiation.

5 to 15 cm of new snow is expected by Friday evening, with deeper wind deposits possible in the alpine. This snow will bury a sun crust on steep solar slopes.

A melt-freeze crust with facets above sits 50 to 120 cm deep. It has not produced any avalanches in the region, however professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it becoming an active problem.

The mid to lower snowpack is considered well bonded at this point. Currently, we are not seeing the same basal weak layers and reactivity that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season.

Thursday night

Increasing cloud, no precipitation, 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures cool to -18 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 to 10 cm of snow with some areas near the US border getting up to 15 cm, 30 to 50 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures around -15 °C.

Mix of sun and cloud with some isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of snow, 15 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures reach -10 °C.

Mix of sun and cloud, 15 to 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures reach -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.