Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Temperatures are generally dropping, and winds are easing, but spotty precipitation continues, with the possibility of waking up to a pleasant refresh on Tuesday morning.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, with localized areas of clearing. 0-4 cm snow expected. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing levels below 1000m. Alpine temps around -10

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, possible breaks in cloud. 0-5 cm snow expected. Light to moderate south winds. Warming through the day, alpine high around -6 C.

TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. 2-10 cm of snow expected overnight, with a possible trace through the day. Light to moderate southwest winds. Alpine high around -8 C.

WEDNESDAY: Increasing cloud over the day. Possible trace of snow. Light to moderate southwest winds. Alpine temps around -13

A size 1 skier remote triggered avalanche was reported that failed near the base of the snowpack on a north aspect in the alpine. This avalanche is small, but there were other deep failures reported in this region about a week ago. This is consistent with a deep persistent problem that may be difficult to trigger. We're not done worrying about this one yet.

Several size 1 and 2 natural avalanches were observed in the north end of the region yesterday. They seem to have failed within the storm snow. 

On Wednesday, natural and skier triggered slab avalanches were observed at treeline and above to size 1.5.

Moderate to strong southwest winds continue to redistribute 30-45cm of recent storm snow, forming reactive slabs. After the winds ease, these slabs will still need time to settle and become less reactive.

The new storm snow overlies about 50cm of settling snow from the last storm. This sits on a thick, supportive melt freeze crust on all aspects up to 2400m (December 2nd). 

Where the December 2nd crust does exist, facets may be forming on top, making this a layer to watch.

A late October facet/crust layer of concern sits at the bottom of the snowpack above 1900m. This layer has been reactive to human triggers, producing large avalanches. This layer is widespread and will likely continue to be a layer of concern.

Average snowpack depth at treeline is 100-180cm, with the deepest snowpack found near the Bugaboos. 

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.