Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches have been reported.

Last weekend, several cornice falls were observed and triggered large avalanches on the slopes below. Give cornices a wide birth, and expect large and looming cornices to remain fragile, especially with daytime warming.

A skiff of fresh snow covers a widespread crust that exists up to roughly 1300 m. This crust may soften with daytime warming at lower elevations.

At upper elevations, snow is likely to be wind-affected. Increasing winds may form fresh, reactive pockets of dry snow. Large, fragile cornices can be found on exposed ridgelines and should be given a wide berth. Soft, dry snow may still be found on north-facing alpine slopes.

In some areas, particularly in the Haines Summit, a weak layer of facets or surface hoar is buried 50-80 cm. This layer is unlikely to trigger from the weight of a rider, but concern exists with very large loads like cornice falls.

Check out this MIN for recent conditions near White Pass.

Thursday Night

Mix of stars and clouds. Southwest ridgetop wind up to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature low of -8 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

Friday

Partly sunny morning with increasing clouds into the afternoon. Southwest ridgetop wind increases to 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature high of -1 °C. Freezing level near highway elevations.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm snow. Southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 55 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday

Flurries, up to 10 cm. Strong southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level to valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.