Avalanche Forecast

Tuesday saw widespread size 2 storm and wind slab avalanches. There were also notable reports of larger (size 2.5 to 3) human-triggered slabs northeast of Pemberton and in the Spearhead range. These avalanches involved 50 to 100 cm deep persistent weak layers that resulted in wide propagations and, in some cases, remote triggering.

We expect a natural avalanche cycle on Wednesday night, and then into Thursday both storm and persistent slabs will be a concern.

Snow, rain, and wind are reshaping snow surfaces. 20 to 40 cm of new snow on Thursday will add to the 50 to 100 cm of recent wind-affected snow at upper elevations. Treeline and below treeline elevations received more rain, leading to smaller snow totals. The recent snow sits above a layer of poorly bonded crusts and surface hoar, which has shown sensitivity to human triggers and snowpack tests. With ongoing rapid changes to the weather, it is uncertain how long this layer will remain a problem.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded and total snow depths remain below average.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow above 1200 m (rain below), alpine wind south 60 to 90 km/h, treeline temperature near -1 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow above 1400 m (primarily in the morning then easing in the afternoon), alpine wind south 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature around 0 °C, freezing level climbing to 1700 m in the afternoon.

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow, alpine wind southeast 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature around +2 °C with freezing level climbing to 2200 m.

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of snow, alpine wind south 50 km/h, treeline temperature around 0 °C with freezing level dropping to 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
• Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
• Avoid the alpine during periods of heavy loading from new snow wind and/or rain.