Avalanche Forecast

Natural, human, and explosive-triggered avalanches up to size 3 continue to be reported daily throughout the region since early last week. Many of the reported avalanches have been remote-triggered.

This MIN report from the weekend details a remotely triggered avalanche near the Gorman Lake area that is characteristic of reports throughout the province (photo below).

While natural activity has tapered off, human triggering remains a serious concern.

The upper snowpack is mostly low density snow with wind-affected and sun-affected snow in some areas. A widespread crust that formed in early February is roughly 100 to 120 cm deep. Weak faceted crystals and surface hoar above this crust are contributing to many concerning avalanches across the province. The lower snowpack is mostly weak and faceted.

Wednesday Night

Clear skies. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
• Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.