Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system. Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Stormy conditions are expected between Saturday night and Monday night expect for a brief period on Sunday afternoon when a break between systems is expected. Snowfall amounts are uncertain with weather models showing substantial variability. Areas along the immediate west coast may see higher amounts than listed. 

Saturday Night: Snowfall 20-40 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level low around 1000 m. 

Sunday: Snowfall in the morning 20-30 cm, sunny breaks in the afternoon, strong SW wind easing in the afternoon, freezing level high around 1200 m. 

Sunday night and Monday: Snowfall 40-60 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level high around 1200 m. 

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud, strong NW wind easing in the afternoon, freezing level high around 1200 m.

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days but observations have been very limited. 

If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.  

The storm snow is burying a widespread, supportive melt-freeze crust. Strong southwest wind will be redistributing this new snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Lower elevations are expected to see a mix of wet snow and rainfall, and wet loose avalanche should be expected. 

The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.