Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Storm slab activity in the size 1-2 range was consistently reported at upper elevations across the region on Thursday. In recent days, a few isolated larger persistent slabs, up to size 2.5, have also been observed.

With more snow and wind in the forecast, we expect this trend to continue into Saturday.

Up to 50 cm of recent snow has formed widespread storm slabs. These slabs are expected to be thickest and most reactive on wind-loaded north and east-facing slopes.

Three persistent weak layers consisting of surface hoar, facets, or a crust may be found in the upper to mid-snowpack:

• The early March layer buried 50 - 100 cm. This is the primary weak layer of concern.

• The mid-February layer buried 90 - 170 cm.

• The late January layer buried 100 - 200 cm.

The lingering concern for the Feb and Jan weak layers is in shallow or rocky areas, otherwise, these are unlikely to trigger.

Friday night

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.