Avalanche Forecast

On Sunday, explosives triggered size 1-2 storm slabs and a natural storm slab avalanche cycle to size 1.5 was reported around the Spearhead backcountry.

Strong southwest winds quickly impacted 15-40 cm weekend snowfall which mostly covered a crust (or bare rock) at upper elevations and moist snow and dirt at treeline and below.

Below the crust is 40-80 cm of early November snow which began covering surface roughness at upper elevations. The strength of this basal interface will become more evident with more field observations. Terrain features poke through a building snowpack that grows from 50-70 cm at treeline to 150 cm in the alpine. Below treeline is below the threshold for avalanches.

Monday night

Clear and cold with increasing clouds. Light northeast wind, treeline low temperatures -20 C.

Tuesday

Cold. Flurries start in the afternoon, with substantial accumulations beginning overnight. Increasing southwest wind, treeline high temperature -12 C.

Winter storm beginning late Tuesday with precipitation likely falling as snow at most elevations. 15-30 mm by morning and another 15 mm through the day, South wind gusting above 70 k/h. Treeline high -8 C, freezing level staying below 500 m.

Cold and clearing. Light northeast wind, treeling high temperature -12 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.