Avalanche Forecast

A small skier triggered slab avalanche was reported near Shames on Wednesday. This avalanche was on a steep slope on a south aspect at treeline.

No other avalanches have been reported in the region over the past few days, but observations are limited.

Please continue to share your observations via the Mountain Information Network.

Wind has varied in direction over the past few days, wind slab could be found on all aspects as a result.

A surface hoar layer that was buried in the middle of November can be found down 30 to 40 cm on sheltered treeline features.

A 2 to 10 cm thick rain crust can be found down 40 to 60 cm at 1400 m and below. This layer is currently not a concern.

Above treeline there is an above average snowpack depth of 200 cm. Snowpack depth tapers with elevation to around 30 cm at valley bottoms. Many early season hazards are just below the surface below treeline.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear. 5 to 15 km/h east alpine wind. Treeline temperature -3°C, potential for temperature inversion with colder temps at valley bottoms.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h east alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C, potential for temperature inversion with colder temps at valley bottoms.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow. 5 to 15 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.