Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are very limited in this zone. Of note, a very large naturally-triggered size 3.5 avalanche was reported just outside the eastern border of the region on Dec 31.

Looking forward: Human and natural-triggered avalanches are likely to very likely. The danger will increase as storm snow accumulates on Sunday.

Over 90 cm of snow has piled up in the region over the last few days, and another 25 cm is forecast to fall by Sunday afternoon. Additionally, there are strong southerly winds forecast for ridgetops overnight and through Sunday.

These conditions have built deep and reactive storm slabs, with potential for very large avalanches.

The prominent mid-December crust is buried up to 150 cm deep and extends to 2200 m. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely, except with large loads.

Saturday Night
Cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
• Stick to non-avalanche terrain or small features with limited consequence.
• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.