Avalanche Forecast

High -

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 2-5cm snow / Light to moderate northwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level dropping to valley bottom. SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate northwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level valley bottom.SUNDAY: 3-5cm snow / Moderate to strong westerly ridgetop winds / Freezing level valley bottom.

No new avalanches were reported within this region on Wednesday. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-80cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.