Avalanche Forecast

On Saturday a natural size 2 storm slab avalanche was reported, as well as numerous loose dry up to size 1.5.

Thursday and Friday, numerous natural and skier-triggered avalanches up to size 3 were reported. Size 2 storm slabs were observed on steep wind-loaded features, corniced ridgelines, and below cliffs. Size 3 avalanches reportedly stepped down to 100 or 150 cm deep on north-facing slopes, where a weak layer described in the snowpack summary exists.

15 to 20 cm of new snow overlies 60 to 80 cm of recent snow which sits on a melt-freeze crust from mid-December. Recent snow has been transported by moderate to strong south and southwesterly winds, building reactive cornices and slabs on lee slopes.

Another buried crust with facets from early December is buried 90 to 160 cm deep. A layer of surface hoar may also be present at this same depth. This weak layer could produce very large avalanches like the one described in the avalanche summary.

Expect moist surface snow below treeline.

For an update about local snow conditions check out this blog.

Saturday NightCloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with trace precipitation. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

MondayMostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 750 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with trace precipitation. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• It's critical to stay disciplined and stick to gentle, low consequence terrain.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.