Avalanche Forecast

Several size 2 (large) explosive-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches were reported on Friday. 

Avalanche activity is expected to continue, especially in alpine areas where new snow has been transported by the wind into reactive deposits.

If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Up to 20 cm of snow by the end of the day on the 22nd brings 48 hour totals to 40 to 50 cm in alpine areas. Strong to extreme southerly winds are expected to form deeper deposits on north-facing slopes.

A crust or moist snow will be observed on the surface at lower elevations.

A prominent crust with facets above from early December is down 80 to 140 cm at treeline. A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline at this depth. We are continuing to monitor these layers.

The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

You can read more details about the local snowpack conditions here.

Saturday NightCloudy with up to 5 mm, falling as snow above 1000 m. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1400 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 mm, falling as snow above 1250 m. 60 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday

Cloudy with 1 to 3 mm, falling as snow above 1250 m. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1400 m.

TuesdayCloudy with 10 to 15 mm of mixed precipitation. 80 to 100 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.