Avalanche Forecast

The territory continues to be in the storm track through the weekend.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Overnight low around -10 C, moderate to strong south/southeast wind, 3 to 8 cm of snow expected.

THURSDAY: Overcast, daytime high around -6 C, moderate northwest wind, 2 to 4 cm of snow expected.

FRIDAY: Clear skies at dawn with cloud cover building to broken throughout the day, daytime high around - 8 C, moderate southwest wind with potentially strong west wind at ridgetop, no snow expected.

SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, daytime high around - 4 C, strong southwest wind, 2 to 5 cm of snow expected during the day with 5 to 15 cm Saturday night.

There is evidence of a recent storm slab avalanche cycle to size 2, and slopes that have not yet avalanched are likely primed for human triggering.

This MIN report outlines conditions at the end of last weekend. 

Last weekend's storm produced 60+ cm of new snow which rests on heavily wind affected and faceted snow in exposed terrain and perhaps a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, as found here and here. 

While our best weather stations are currently down, we have observations from Wednesday that suggest southwest wind has redistributed the aging storm snow into slabs in wind exposed terrain.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, but inland areas like the Wheaton Valley likely have a thinner and weaker structure.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Stick to simple terrain or small features with limited consequence.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.