Choose small, low consequence slopes with no overhead hazard.
Large, reactive storm slabs will have built overnight.
If the sky clears solar input could result in more natural avalanches.
Reactive storm slabs will have formed overnight. The largest and most reactive slabs will likely be northerly aspects at higher elevations. Reactivity could increase with solar input.
On Sunday avalanche control with explosives in the region produced numerous avalanches up to size 3.
On Saturday a widespread storm cycle was observed on all aspects and elevations. These avalanches were generally up to size 2.
If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN)
By the morning of the 18th up to 60 cm of new snow may have fallen. This will be accompanied by strong southerly winds forming deeper deposits on north aspects.
At treeline and above a layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain may be found down 40 to 60 cm.
A prominent crust from early December is down 60 to 120 cm at treeline. A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline at this depth but it’s distribution is uncertain.
The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 35 to 55 cm of snow expected. 60 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy in the morning and clearing throughout the day. Around 5 cm of snow expected early in the morning. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1400 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with around 5 cm of snow expected at higher elevations. 60 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2300 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
