Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, a large (size 2) avalanche was reported on a north aspect in the alpine. It is suspected to have failed on a layer of surface hoar that has been preserved in isolated areas. See photo below. Field observations have been limited, if you're out in the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Up to 20 cm of recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or crusty surfaces. Moderate to strong forecast southerly winds will likely form deeper deposits of fresh, reactive wind slab that may not stick well to the old surface. In isolated areas buried surface hoar can be found 20 to 40 cm deep.

Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.

The mid-pack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 200 cm.

Friday Night

Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow expected. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy. 2 to 7 cm of snow expected. 30 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow expected. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -6 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 2 cm of snow expected. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.