Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

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

On Tuesday, a wind slab avalanche was reported that occurred naturally in extreme terrain on an open alpine feature.

Cool and clear conditions are promoting surface hoar growth, primarily in areas protected from the sun and wind. This overlies a widespread surface crust that is found at treeline and above, with isolated pockets of wind affected snow above it in lee terrain features.

Below this, moist snow is starting to refreeze, and depending on aspect and elevation, the top 20 to 30 cm may contain one or two crust/facet layers.

The lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no significant concerns.

Thursday Night
Clear skies. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.