Avalanche Forecast

Wet loose avalanches up to (size 1) were seen from steep south-facing terrain at upper elevations. Additionally, few natural slab avalanches (size 2.5) were seen from steep southwest aspects. Reports indicate they were several days old. Below treeline a natural glide slab release (size 2) was also noted and several days old.

Wind slabs continue to linger in the region, with reports indicating they are stubborn to rider triggering.

Surface conditions vary from wind affected snow in exposed terrain at higher elevations, and settling snow in sheltered areas. Surface hoar development is widespread and a crust has formed on steeper slopes exposed to the sun.

Buried surface hoar can be found 5 to 20 cm deep.

The mid snowpack is generally well settled, with an early November crust buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer is understood to be more notable in the Selkirk Mountains.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 80 to 150 cm, and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.

Wednesday Night:

Partly cloudy. 15 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C with an above-freezing layer bringing the alpine temperatures to 0 °C.

Thursday:

Valley cloud with sunny periods at treeline and above. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around +1 °C to + 3 °C. Treeline and below temperatures near -2 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with snow 5 to 15 cm. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around 0 °C. Treeline temperatures near -2 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy. New snow 10 to 25 cm. 15 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures near -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.