Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Wednesday Night: Trace of new snow with moderate to strong northerly winds at ridgetop. Alpine temperatures near -15.

Thursday: Another 5-10 cm of snow with gusty North winds up to 60 km/hr and switching from the southwest later in the day. Alpine temperatures near -15.

Friday: Continued snow flurries possibly adding another 5 to 10 cm with strong southwest wind at ridgetop. Average alpine temperature near -10. 

Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud with some isolated flurries. Ridgetop wind strong from the West. Alpine temperatures near -10.

Numerous size 1 dry loose and soft slabs ran naturally and were easily reactive to skier triggering on Wednesday. 

Touchy storm slabs are likely on Thursday. They may run far and fast due to the weak bond between the underlying snow surfaces. 

Up to 45 cm of low-density storm snow fell by Wednesday. The snow is showing a weak bond to old snow surfaces but has lacked slab development. Once settlement and wind affect kick in, expect the slab to change and be highly reactive. Changing winds may load atypical slopes and features. The new snow is sitting on surface hoar crystals on Northerly aspects/ sheltered terrain and on firm old snow surfaces. These will likely show a poor bond. 

In shallow snowpack areas a layer of loose facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack.

• Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of strong wind.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.