Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. Little change is expected until it snows again.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Surface conditions are a mix of heavily wind-affected surfaces, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and 10-15 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas. Surface hoar has been spotted growing on most of these.

A crust with facets below exists at or near the ground. In some areas this basal layer may be composed of melt forms or moist faceted snow.

At treeline, snowpack depths are between 40 and 60 cm. Below treeline, this tapers off quickly.

Expect early season conditions.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, minimal accumulations. Southwest alpine wind 5 to 20 km/h, increasing.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from overnight. Still minimal accumulations. Southwest alpine wind 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -8.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries continuing from overnight bringing 5-10 total cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 25-30 km/h. Treeline temperature -6°C.

Sunday

Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 20-40 km/h, increasing. Treeline temperature -4°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.