Sasquatch

Avalanches are possible on steep alpine slopes, especially if the sun comes out.

Reports have been limited in this region. Last week’s warmup triggered large avalanches, including a cornice fall on Thar Peak and wet debris on Cheam Peak (photos below).

Small loose wet avalanches have been observed in recent days and will likely continue during periods of sun.

Expect wet and moist surfaces on sun-exposed slopes. Up to 20 cm of settling snow sits over wet or crusty surfaces. On all but high north-facing alpine slopes, the upper snowpack is wet. Below 1800 m, it has melted substantially making approaches challenging.

Two persistent weak layers are buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack. Avalanche activity is thought to be unlikely on these layers. However, large triggers like cornices may produce avalanche activity in shallow, rocky start zones.

Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow above 1500 m. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Sunny. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.