Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Slab reactivity is expected to increase with incoming new snow and wind on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

During the previous south flow, a large natural avalanche was triggered on a steep north aspect Near Fraser Peak. The crown was up to 100 cm thick, and it was likely a large wind slab.

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

At lower elevations, 15-20 cm of storm snow is overlying a thick crust near the surface. Despite the storm, 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 but is currently redistributed by strong southerly winds. On sheltered and planar slopes, up to 100-125 cm of well-settled snow is topped with 45-60 cm of recent powder. A crust is buried anywhere from 0 to 60 cm, depending on the wind exposure and elevation.

A quasi-stationary low over the Gulf of Alaska is spinning a moist frontal system up towards the north. Moderate to heavy precipitation and strong winds are expected.

Tuesday night

10-15 cm of snow. Southerly alpine winds increase to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature rising near -2 °C. Freezing levels around 800 m.

Wednesday

5-10 cm of snow. Southerly alpine winds gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Periods of snow up to 2 cm. Moderate southerly alpine winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Scattered flurries. Moderate southerly winds gusting 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.