Avalanche Forecast

Recent avalanche reports have been limited to small, loose dry avalanches in steep, shaded terrain.

Looking forward to Friday, we expect that natural and human triggered avalanches will be likely to very likely.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network)

15 to 40 cm of new snow is expected by the end of the day on Friday. Extreme ridgetop winds will make for widely varied conditions in wind exposed terrain. The new snow may not stick well to the soft, faceted snow underneath.

Below the new snow, 40 to 80 cm of loose snow sits over a crust that exists on all but high north aspects.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.

Below treeline areas once again have enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.

Thursday Night

Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow expected above 250 m. Strong to extreme southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -2 °C.

Friday

Cloudy. Generally 15 to 25 cm of snow expected above 500 m. Possibly 45 cm on the west island. Extreme south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 25 to 50 cm of snow expected above 750 m, possibly 80 cm plus on the west island. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C, getting colder through the day.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. Generally 5 to 10 cm of snow expected above 750 m. Up to 30 cm on the southwest edges of the forecast area. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful to keep storm day fever from luring you out into bigger terrain features.
• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.