Avalanche Forecast

On Saturday, numerous natural and human triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on all aspects, size 1 to 2.5.

Of note, a suspected skier remote triggered, size 2.5 storm slab avalanche in Whitewater area. This occurred on a north facing treeline slope. The crown was 30 to 70 cm deep and ran on a buried layer of surface hoar.

A size 3 vehicle controlled avalanche was reported on an east facing alpine feature. We suspect this avalanche ran on a buried layer of surface hoar.

Storm snow totals range from 30 to 55 cm. Deeper deposits are found in wind-loaded areas. The new snow is bonding poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.

A weak layer of surface hoar buried, 30 to 80cm deep, has been the culprit of many natural and human-triggered avalanches through the weekend. Where this layer is preserved it will remain reactive to human triggering.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Sunday Night

Cloudy with light flurries, 2 to 8 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and clouds with a chance of flurries, trace accumulations. 5 to 15 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Clear. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.