Avalanche Forecast

On Monday, north of Stewart, numerous small loose dry and storm slab avalanches were reported in the overnight storm snow.

Looking forward to Tuesday, we expect that human triggered slab avalanches will remain most likely in wind exposed terrain.

Natural, glide slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been recently observed throughout the region. These hazards should be given a wide berth.

Up to 20 cm of recent snow and moderate to strong southeast through west wind may have formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes. Expect to find soft snow in sheltered areas

Wind has varied in direction over the past week. Expect most exposed slopes to be wind-affected.

A 2 to 10 cm thick rain crust can be found down 70 to 100 cm at 1400 m and below. This layer is currently not an avalanche concern.

At treeline there is an average snowpack depth of 300 cm. Snowpack depth tapers with elevation to around 50 cm at valley bottoms. Many early season hazards are just below the surface below treeline.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. Ridgetop wind decreasing to 30 km/h west. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 15 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Shooting cracks, whumpfs, and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.