Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches have been reported since freezing levels dropped following the wet and warm storm at the end of last week.

The new storm snow is expected to be reactive on Wednesday, especially in wind-exposed terrain.

The new storm snow is expected to be sitting on top of dry, settled snow above 1500 m, a melt-freeze crust in the 1000-1500 m elevation band, and moist or wet snow below 1000 m. There is a lot of uncertainty as to how well this new snow will bond to the old surface at each of these elevation bands.

Snowpack depths at treeline are around 100 cm, tapering quickly with elevation. Although the snowpack in most forested areas below treeline remains below threshold depths for avalanches, many steep bluffs, cut-banks, and alpine-like features in the upper below treeline band are capable of producing avalanches.

Tuesday Night

Snowfall 20-40 cm with highest amounts along the immediate west coast, strong S-SW wind, freezing level around 1000 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with lingering flurries in the morning, a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon, light to moderate wind shifting from the SW to NW, freezing level around 800 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud, light NW wind, freezing level around 800 m.

Friday

Mainly cloudy, moderate SW wind, freezing level 1000-1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 25cm of new snow.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.