Avalanche Forecast

With ongoing wind and heavy snow, surface slabs are expected to increase in reactivity through Monday.

Heavy snowfall Monday will bury a variety of wind-affected surfaces and thin sun crusts on southerly-facing terrain. Expect storm and wind slab development throughout the day Monday.

The middle of the snowpack is firm and well-consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack but have not yet created a major problem, unlike some of the neighboring regions. However, we continue to track this layer and may see a problem develop as more snow accumulates and slab formation continues above it.

The average snowpack depth is around 130 cm while up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.

High uncertainty exists surrounding the snowfall amounts and timing from Sunday through to Tuesday.

Sunday night

Cloudy with snow, 10 to 20 cm. Light to moderate westerly alpine winds. Treeline temperature -5 to -10 C.

Monday

Snowfall tapers through the day, with potential for another 10 to 15 cm. Moderate to strong southwest alpine winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Tuesday

Heavy snowfall, 20 to 40 cm. Moderate to strong northeast alpine winds. Treeline temperatures drop to -20 to -25 C by day's end.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny periods, trace snow amounts. Moderate Northeast alpine winds. Treeline temperatures -20 to -25 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.