Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Many small wet loose and slab avalanches were observed during warm weather over the past few days. They've been observed on all aspects and elevations.

Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely anywhere a thick and hard crust is on the snow surface. Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain if you find new snow in your riding area. Travel safely near cornices and limit exposure on sun-exposed slopes if the snow is slushy.

Anywhere from a dusting to 10 cm of snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust. Strong northerly wind may form isolated wind slabs. The snow surface may melt on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations during the heat of the day.

Numerous hard crusts are found in the top half of the snowpack. In the high alpine near Invermere, a layer of weak facets may persist above one of these crusts, found 30 to 80 cm deep.

The snowpack continues to melt below treeline.

Thursday Night
Cloudy then clearing. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Daytime freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds with isolated flurries. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Daytime freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Sunday
Cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Daytime freezing level rising to 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.