Avalanche Forecast

On Friday, we received a report of a large (size 3.0) avalanche that was triggered on the west side of Bruins ridge and ran to the bottom of 8812 bowl, nearly affecting the Balu pass skin track.

There was a widespread cycle of natural avalanches, mostly size 2.5-3, in the Highway corridor overnight Thursday into early Friday morning.

On Wednesday, isolated natural avalanches were observed up to size 2 in steep, north facing terrain off Mt. Macdonald, triggered by wind loading. Skiers east of the summit reported several soft slabs reactive to skiers down 5 cm. And reports of loose dry sluffing up to sz 1.0.

Up to 20cm of new snow and moderate Southerly winds built fresh slabs in exposed areas on Friday. This overlies a variety of surfaces; including a weak crust on steep solar aspects; wind effected surfaces at treeline and in the alpine; and settled powder in sheltered areas.

The deep persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack (facets and a crust in some locations), has been showing signs of strengthening recently.

The weather remains unsettled between storms Saturday, with the next low pressure system arriving Sunday.

Tonight: Scattered flurries (up to 5cm). Alpine low -10°C. Light gusting to Moderate SW ridgetop winds.

Saturday: Mainly cloudy w/ isolated flurries. Alpine high -9°C. Light to moderate W winds.

Sunday: Snow (15-20 cm). Low -10°C, High -7°C. Moderate to strong SW winds.

Monday: Flurries (10-15cm). Low -11°C, High -7°C. Light W wind.

• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.