This forecast is based on limited field observations. Careful terrain selection is recommended while gathering more snowpack information.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, no precipitation / Light and variable windSUNDAY: Partly cloudy, sunny breaks / Light and variable wind / Freezing level rising 1000-1400mMONDAY: Periods of snow, accumulating 5-20 cm / Light to moderate south-southwest wind / Freezing level rising 1200-1500 mTUESDAY: Wet flurries / Light to moderate south-southwest wind / Freezing level 1600 m
Avalanche Summary
No recent natural avalanches have been reported. Explosives have triggered small slab avalanches in ridge top lee features. We currently have limited observations in this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
A surface hoar/sun crust layer is buried under 15-30 cm recent snow. The surface hoar is more prevalent in sheltered areas and at treeline and below; the crust is found in exposed alpine terrain and solar aspects. The snowpack is supported by an unreactive basal crust/facet layer 15-25 cm above the ground. The total snowpack depth varies from 110-160 cm in the alpine, with snowpack depth decreasing quickly with decreasing elevation. In many areas, the below treeline snowpack is below threshold.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.