South Coast Inland

Small avalanches can have big consequences if they are triggered above features like cliffs or terrain traps. The best riding will likely be found in wind sheltered areas where the snow is still soft.

TUESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / moderate southeast wind / alpine low temperature near -9 

WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -6 

THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

It may be possible to trigger small pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Steep terrain features with no slab may sluff when ridden.

There were a few reports of natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches on Monday.

5-15 cm of recent fresh snow sits on firm wind affected snow at upper elevations, on surface hoar in some sheltered areas, on a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m, and on a sun crust on south-facing slopes. 

In the south, the underlying snowpack is well consolidated. In the north, a melt-freeze crust from early December may be found 100 to 200 cm deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer is gaining strength and has been unreactive in recent weeks.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.