Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.
• We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.

Field observations and alpine visibility have been limited in recent days.

On Wednesday, several wind slab avalanches, up to size 1.5, were observed primarily at treeline elevations on northerly terrain.

With continued snow, wind, and warming temperatures, we anticipate both natural and rider-triggered avalanche activity to continue.

Variable amounts of snow continue to accumulate across the region. At higher elevations and exposed terrain, winds are redistributing the new snow into deeper deposits on leeward and cross-loaded slopes.

A crust formed in February exists at variable depths, generally 50 to 120 cm below the surface. In isolated, wind-sheltered areas, weak surface hoar may be present atop this crust.

The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no significant layers of concern.

Check out the AvCan North Rockies field team report from the Pine Pass area for more local details.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Saturday
Cloudy. 10 to 30 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.