Avalanche Forecast

High

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.

Over the past 4 days numerous storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally, remotely, and by riders at all elevations. Most of this avalanche activity has occurred on northwest through northeast aspects.

Another 60 cm of storm snow is expected by Saturday afternoon. This new snow will be accompanied by strong southerly wind, forming deeper deposits in north and east facing features.

A layer of large surface hoar is found down 60 to 100 cm in sheltered treeline features. Below treeline a crust is found at this interface.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 400 cm.

Friday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 35 cm of snow at treeline, rain below treeline. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 65 cm of snow at treeline, rain below. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow at treeline, rain below. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.