Avalanche Forecast

Thursday night: 5-10 cm new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Friday: 10-15 cm new snow, strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday: 15-30 cm new snow overnight then clearing, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday: Increasing cloud with flurries, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level 700 m.

Small slabs within the recent snow were triggered by explosives on Wednesday.

Our eyes and ears in the mountains are limited at this time of year and may continue this winter due to fewer professional observations. If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing it with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Even just a photo of where you went is helpful. A big thank you to those that have already shared their observations thus far.

Around 20 cm of new snow will accumulate through the day in most areas in the region. This new snow is falling amid strong to extreme southwesterly wind, likely producing wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.

The snowpack depth varies substantially with elevation. Below treeline 30 to 70 cm, 80 to 100 cm near treeline, and around 150 cm may be found in the alpine.

A melt-freeze crust found about 50 cm from the snow surface has been reported up to an elevation of at least 1800 m. Reports suggest that the snowpack is well-bonded to this crust. Another melt-freeze crust is found about 30 cm off the ground surface, which may have a thin layer of weak and sugary faceted grains above it. There also may be a thin layer of feathery surface hoar crystals found above the crust, particularly in sheltered terrain features at and above treeline. There is uncertainty as to whether these layer will be a concern going forward.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.