Avalanche Forecast

Field observations have been limited this week. With the incoming storm on Wednesday-Thursday, expect to see increasing avalanche activity.

If you make it into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Before the storm, 30 to 40 cm of surface snow was found in areas sheltered from the wind. Moderate to strong wind had likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits in leeward terrain. This settled snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or wind-scoured surfaces and may not stick well to the old surface. The midpack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow expected. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm expected late afternoon and overnight. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m by the end of the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Recent new snow may be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.