Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.
• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

A natural avalanche cycle is expected to take place through the day.

Reactive wind slabs were reported around Shames on Thursday. See this MIN post for more details.

Earlier in the week, a size 1.5 wind slab was reported in a cross-loaded feature at upper treeline. Given the cold temperatures, ongoing wind, and limited number of recent field observations, it is best to assume wind slabs may still be lingering in leeward terrain features in wind-affected terrain.

30 to 50 cm of snow is falling throughout the day with strong southwest winds making the surface deep and pillowed. This new snow will be falling on faceted snow from the recent cold and may not bond well.

Last week more than 100 cm of heavy snow fell, which has strengthened the snowpack and reduced the chance of triggering older layers from early December (which include buried surface hoar and crusts).

Snowpack depths exceed 350 cm at treeline.

Saturday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 15 to 35 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Monday
Cloudy. 20 to 55 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday
Cloudy. 5 to 25 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.