Avalanche Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-15 cm / Moderate southwest winds / Low of -3 / Freezing level 700 m.

MONDAY: Snow (above around 1300 m); 5-10 cm, and another 5-10 cm overnight / Moderate southwest wind / High of 1 / Freezing level 1600 m.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Light southwest wind / High of 1 / Freezing level 1500 m.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light west wind / High of -1 / Freezing level 1400 m.

Numerous naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported at treeline and above on Saturday. They occurred primarily on wind-loaded north-east aspects.

Riders may get surprised by widely propagating storm slabs that are sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar at treeline and below.

15-30 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds formed fresh storm slabs that have been most reactive in wind affected terrain; especially where slabs are sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust.

The 15-30 cm of recent snow is sitting on a variety of surfaces including hard wind affected snow, sun crusts on southerly slopes, and surface hoar on shady or sheltered slopes. 

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas, with prominent crust layers 50 to 100 cm deep. No recent persistent slab avalanches have been reported on these layers.

• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
• Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.