Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

While no avalanche activity has been reported, we expect a natural avalanche cycle to be occurring, particularly in regions receiving higher snowfall amounts.

Observations remain very limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network

Over the past week over 100 cm of new snow has accumulated in some areas. This recent snowfall has formed reactive storm slabs at all elevations, contributing to an elevated avalanche hazard.

In the mid-snowpack, a crust formed in early November may still be present, potentially accompanied by surface hoar and/or faceted crystals. This layer could become a source of instability as new snow continues to accumulate, creating a heavier load above.

The lower snowpack is characterized by several old melt-freeze crusts, with depth hoar crystals present at the base in some areas.

At treeline, snowpack depth ranges from 100 to 200 cm.

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow, areas around Pine Pass may see 20 cm or more. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow at upper elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
• As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.