Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
• Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Field observations remain limited, with poor visibility restricting observations over the past days. Sunday, several natural wind slabs (size 1-1.5) were observed on easterly aspects at treeline in the McGregor range.

Friday, explosive control work near Pine Pass produced size 2-3 wind slabs on reverse-loaded south to southwest aspects in the alpine. Evidence of previous natural activity (up to size 3) during the past storms was also reported in the Pine Pass area.

50 to 80 cm of recent snow overlies a prominent hard crust formed in mid-December that extends up to 1800 m near the Pine Pass area, and up to 2000 m near Highway 16. Continued wind has redistributed the recent snow in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine.

A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust may be found buried around 120-140 cm deep. This layer has been observed to be gaining strength and is now even less likely to be triggered where bridged by the recent crust.

In thin snowpack areas, faceted grains or depth hoar may exist at the base of the snowpack.

Monday Night
Cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Thursday
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
• Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.