Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

Friday: Snow amounts 5-10 cm with possible enhancements. Ridgetop wind moderate from the West and alpine temperatures near -5. Freezing levels rising to 1200 m by the afternoon.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with possible flurries up to 5 cm. Ridgetop wind strong from West and alpine temperatures near -13. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Ridgetop wind extreme from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -8. Freezing level valley bottom.

On Wednesday, this MIN report highlights a critical incident of a rider-triggered persistent slab size 3. Also on Wednesday, this MIN report indicates another remotely-triggered size 2 slab avalanche. Whether it's a wind slab or a persistent slab problem, they're catching folks by surprise and will not heal quickly. 

Looking towards Friday, human triggering of storm, wind, and persistent slabs will remain likely. Conditions are not easily managed right now, warranting a conservative mindset!

Recent snowfall amounts vary across the region with 10-20 cm of new snow. Wind slabs are expected to build over the day in exposed terrain at treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slabs may continue to build in sheltered areas at all elevations. These slabs are expected to reach between 30 and 60 cm thick over the region and sit above sugary faceted snow formed mid-February.

A persistent slab 50 to 80 cm deep sits above a weak layer of surface hoar and may be found in sheltered terrain or otherwise faceted grains and/or a hard melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has recently been easily reactive to human triggers around the region. Check out this MIN report from yesterday in the Ruault Lake area in the western flank of the region. 

Weak faceted grains and a decomposing melt-freeze crust are likely found near the base of the snowpack. There have not been recent avalanche observations on this layer, but steep and rocky slopes, as well as shallow snowpack areas, should be approached with caution.

• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Choose simple, low-angle, well supported terrain without convexities.
• The trees are not the safe-haven they normally are at this time. Terrain at treeline is primed for human triggered avalanches.