Avalanche Forecast

Near Fraser Peak, one large natural avalanche was observed on a steep north aspect on Saturday. The crown was up to 100 cm thick, and it was likely a large wind slab that was released during the previous south flow.

Early season observations are limited. Please post any pictures or information to the MIN.

At lower elevations, a few cm of fresh powder is overlying a thick crust near the surface. The snowpack remains shallow, with open creeks, exposed rocks, and other early-season hazards.

In the alpine, reports suggest that much more snow has accumulated during the last stormy weather. On sheltered and planar slopes, up to 75-100 cm of well-settled snow is topped with 15-20 cm of recent powder. A crust is buried anywhere from 0 to 50 cm, depending on your location's wind exposure and elevation. Another thick crust has been reported near the base of the snowpack.

A strong frontal system, sweeping up from the south, will keep pushing moisture with snow for Monday-Tuesday along with moderate to strong south winds.

Sunday night

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of snowfall possible. Southwest alpine winds increasing to 50-60 km/h. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Monday

Up to 5 cm of light snow begins early morning, with an additional 10 cm overnight. Moderate southerly alpine winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperature stable near -12 °C.

Tuesday

10-15 cm of light snow. Southerly winds increasing to 75 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

5-10 cm of light snow during the day. Strong southerly winds 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.