Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No new avalanche was reported, but field observations are limited. Old debris from natural wet avalanches may still be visible throughout the region.

The region received 20 to 40 cm of heavy snow since Sunday but settled quickly with warm temperatures. This overlies a buried crust or rain-soaked surface at most elevations. In the alpine, the recent storm snow is dense with a surface crust due to wind.

A late-January weak layer (hard crust, facets, or surface hoar) is buried 100 to 150 cm deep, this layer should be entombed beneath a firm crust in most areas, with some uncertainty around the highest elevations of the region.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level around 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with light rain up to 5 mm. 60 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4°C. Freezing level around 2200 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and clouds. 25 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5°C. Freezing level reaching 2500 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 45 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5°C. Freezing level reaching 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.