Avalanche Forecast

Wednesday: Several naturally-triggered large (size 2) avalanches were observed in the Bear Pass area.

Tuesday: Several small (size 1) avalanches were triggered both by riders and natural causes in many areas across the bulletin region.

The potential for triggering avalanches will increase as more precipitation and continued strong southwesterly winds affect the snowpack in the coming days.

20-30 cm of recent snowfall accompanied by southwesterly winds has formed wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above. At lower elevations, where some of this precipitation may have fallen as rain, moist snow or a crust will be present.

A layer of surface hoar has been found 30-40 cm deep at treeline and below in isolated areas, mostly in the southwestern parts of the region. A 15 cm thick hard crust with overlying facetted grains from the beginning of January is 60 - 70 cm deep at treeline elevations.

The rest of the snowpack is strong and well-settled.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 3-15 cm of new snow / light to moderate rain, southwest alpine wind 30-40 km/h, treeline low 0°C, freezing level around 500 m in the north and 1100 m to the south with potential for a temperature inversion in some areas.

Friday

Cloudy with 5-15 cm of new snow / light to moderate rain, southwest alpine wind 70-80 km/h in southern parts and 40 -50 km/h in the north, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level between 700-1300 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 10-20 cm of snow / moderate to heavy rain, southwest alpine wind 55-75 km/h, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level around 800-1400 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 25 cm snow / moderate to heavy rain, south alpine wind 75-80 km/h, treeline high of 3 °C, freezing level 1500-1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.