Avalanche Forecast

High

On Sunday and Monday, sluffing was reported in steep terrain.

With the current weather forecast and snowpack conditions, we foresee both natural and human-triggered avalanches to remain unlikely.

If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.

A sun crust up to 5 cm thick caps the snowpack on steep south-facing slopes, while new surface hoar is forming in many areas. Wind-affected snow is widespread in open, upper-elevation terrain.

In sheltered terrain, 10–30 cm of snow overlays a layer or in some cases, several layers of surface hoar buried fairly close together. These layers may be deeper on wind-loaded slopes.

A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried in early December is 50 to 120 cm deep. Snowpack tests and the absence of recent activity indicate it is no longer a significant concern.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear. 50 to 70 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 40 to 50 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.