Clearwater

New snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar and a crust.

If you're seeing 20 cm or more of new snow, the danger is one step higher.

• Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.

Moderate

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

There have been no new avalanches reported in over a week.

As new snow builds up over the January surface hoar layer, avalanche activity will increase.

By Friday afternoon 10 to 20 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar and crust layer. This new snow will be accompanied by southwest 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 surface hoar is largest in sheltered treeline and below treeline features.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 25 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest then southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 2 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.