Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

On Friday numerous small storm slabs were observed in the region. Most of these avalanches occurred at treeline and below and failed on the late January surface hoar/crust layer described in the snowpack summary. They have been reported to have propagated widely.

By Saturday morning 10 to 30 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow has been accompanied by strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects

The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Friday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow at treeline with rain below treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.