Avalanche Forecast

No avalanches have been reported since last week. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you are out in the backcountry.

Surface conditions are highly variable. In the alpine steep south facing terrain has a sun crust and all other aspects are wind effected. At treeline a crust can likely be found on all aspects, on sheltered features large surface hoar could exist. This surface hoar will be something to keep in mind after it is buried. Below treeline the snowpack tapers off quickly.

Below the surface is 10 to 20 cm of faceted snow over a crust from mid November.

Above about 1600 m, snowpack height ranges from 50 to 100 cm, increasing with elevation and deepest on the west side of Hwy 99. The base of the snowpack is well consolidated and bonded to the ground and glacial ice.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies with no new snow expected, southwest  alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Wednesday

Mostly clear skies with no new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, up to 3 cm of new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
• Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.
• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.