Avalanche Forecast

Friday night: light to moderate northwest winds in the alpine with no new snow expected. Low of -32 at 1500m.

SATURDAY: moderate to strong southwest winds with around 5cm of new snow. High of -21 at 1500m.

Sunday: strong southwest winds in the alpine with up to 20cm of new snow. High of -12 at 1500m.

Monday: light snow all day with light to moderate southwest winds in the alpine. High of -10 at 1500m.

A suspected persistent slab avalanche was observed in the region on Wednesday, that released naturally within the past couple of days. It likely started around 2200 m on a steep northwest aspect. Information on its release was not available due to poor visibility.

We'd appreciate if you submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network, even just a photo.

New wind slab will likely form on north and east aspects on Saturday. These new slabs will form over faceted and wind effected surfaces, they will likely not bond well as a result.

A weak layer of feathery surface hoar may be found around 20 to 50 cm deep. It is most likely found in sheltered terrain features in the lower alpine and treeline, or open features below treeline (e.g., cut blocks). Although we haven't received reports of this layer being a concern, it has been noted in neighboring regions.

Sugary faceted grains may be found around the early-December melt-freeze crust 60 to 100 cm deep. The layer exists up to around 2000 m. This layer is spatially variable and may only be a problem in select parts of the region. Read more about it here. We haven't received reports of recent avalanche activity on this layer. 

• Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
• Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.