Northwest Inland

Choose low-consequence terrain

The combination of an additional 25 cm of storm snow, strong wind, and weak layers means rider triggered avalanches are very likely.

Moderate

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
• Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Over the past few days numerous storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally, remotely, and by riders on all aspects and elevations.

An additional 15 to 25 cm of storm snow is expected by Friday afternoon. This new snow will be accompanied by strong southerly wind, forming deeper deposits in north and east facing features.

A layer of large surface hoar is found down 40 to 80 cm in sheltered treeline features. Below treeline a crust is found at this interface.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 350 cm.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday
Cloudy. 25 to 40 cm of snow at treeline and above. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 20 to 35 cm of snow at treeline and above. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.