Avalanche Forecast

Low

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

A human-triggered size 1 storm slab over the surface hoar/crust combo was reported on a northerly treeline slope just south of the region on Wednesday.

We expect new snow building over surface hoar will begin a cycle of natural and human triggered avalanches on Friday.

If you are getting out, please share observations like avalanches, weather and riding conditions to the Mountain Information Network.

Up to 30 cm of new snow will sit over a widespread crust/surface hoar combination by the end of Friday. This weak combination may be reaching its first notable tipping point.

This new snow will be accompanied by moderate to strong southwest wind, meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects. The surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing levels 800 m rising to 1400 m by the afternoon.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
• Be aware of the potential for human triggerable storm slabs at lower elevations, even on small features.
• As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.