Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, several small (size 1) human and solar-triggered natural avalanches were reported out of steep south-facing terrain.

With the current weather forecast and snowpack conditions, we foresee both natural and human-triggered avalanches to remain unlikely.

If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.

A sun crust is present on the surface and within the upper snowpack, on steep south-facing slopes. In some areas a new layer of surface hoar is growing.

In sheltered terrain, 10–15 cm of snow overlays a layer of surface hoar from early January. This interface may be deeper on wind-loaded slopes.

An older weak layer from early December, consisting of a surface hoar/facet/crust combination, is buried 50 to 120 cm deep. However, snowpack tests and the absence of recent activity indicate it is no longer a significant concern.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• This is a good time for exploring terrain.
• The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.