Avalanche Forecast

A series of frontal systems will bring steady snowfall and strong wind for the remainder of the week.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 5-10 cm of new snow, 40-60 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine temperatures around -10 C.

THURSDAY: Steady snowfall with 10-20 cm of new snow, strong wind from the south, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

FRIDAY: Steady snowfall continues with another 10-20 cm of snow, moderate to strong wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -7 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

The primary concern this week will be new slabs forming as snow accumulates.

No notable avalanches have been reported since Saturday when a large (size 3) avalanche was observed on a very steep north alpine face in Taiya Valley. It was triggered by a collapsing cornice which is a good reminder to minimize your exposure to slopes with cornices overhead.

New slabs will form this week as the weather forecast calls for roughly 10-20 cm of snow per day with strong south wind. Old wind slabs can be felt on a variety of aspects beneath the new snow, and thin sun crusts have been reported on south-facing slopes. Cornices are reported to be growing in size as well.

At White Pass the snowpack is roughly 200 cm thick and well-bonded, while in the Wheaton Valley the snowpack is much thinner and capped by a breakable crust.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.