Avalanche Forecast

Monday night: Mostly clear, moderate northwest winds gusting strong in the alpine, treeline low temperatures near -7 C, freezing level dropping to 300 m. 

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northwest winds with strong gusts in the alpine, treeline high temperatures near -4 C, freezing level rising to 700 m.

Wednesday: Cloudy, 5-10 cm of new snow, moderate northwest winds with strong gusts in the alpine, treeline high temperatures near -3 C, freezing level around 500 m.

Thursday: Cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow, moderate west winds, treeline high temperatures rising to 0 C in the afternoon, freezing level rising to 1300 m. 

It may be possible to trigger avalanches in wind-drifted terrain on Tuesday.

On Sunday, operators observed several small (up to size 1.5) avalanches breaking in the recent snow. There were also reports of small widespread dry loose sluffs in steep terrain.

Reports are limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Fresh snow has returned to the mountains above 1200 m (see this MIN and this MIN from Mt Elma). Strong southwest winds during Sunday's storm have since become moderate from the northwest, redistributing the recent snow into wind slabs across a range of aspects at upper elevations. Monitor for changing slab conditions as you move into wind-exposed terrain. 

The 25-40 cm of recent snow is settling and stabilizing. However, there is lingering uncertainty as to whether a layer of surface hoar may be preserved above a crust at upper elevations. If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, carefully evaluate the bond of the new snow to the crust.

Below the recent snow, a thick and supportive crust extends to mountain top. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong. Below treeline, the snowpack has receded back to marginal levels with many hazards present. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.