Avalanche Forecast

On Friday a few size 1- 2 naturally triggered wind slabs were observed near Invermere on north and east facing alpine slopes.

The likelihood of triggering avalanches will likely increase with the incoming stormy weather.

Approximately 5 to 10 cm of new snow is expected to fall by the end of the day Sunday. This snow will cover a variety of old surfaces, including old wind-affected snow, and a crust.

In isolated, sheltered areas, surface hoar may be found buried 10-20 cm

A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 20 to 50 cm. This crust may be less prominent or not exist at high alpine elevations.

The mid and lower snowpack is largely faceted with depth hoar and a crust found at the bottom of the snowpack in many areas.

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of new snow, 30 km/h west ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow/light to moderate rain, 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1700 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy 2 to 4 cm of new snow, 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible, 5 to 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.