Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Several small storm slabs were triggered by skiers in the region on Thursday. These avalanches were triggered on the late January surface hoar layer mentioned in the snowpack summary.

Dry loose avalanches were also triggered by skiers in steep terrain.

By Saturday morning up to 30 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects

The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.

The snow surface will likely become moist at low elevations and on south aspects as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Friday Night
Cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level around 1500 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow at treeline, with rain below treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.