Esplanade

Assess surface conditions before committing to steep terrain.

If the snow feels "slabby" wind slab avalanches are possible, if it feels unconsolidated dry loose avalanches are possible.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Over the past 4 days numerous dry loose avalanches up to size 2 were reported in steep, north facing terrain. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers.

A few natural cornice falls have also been observed.

By Saturday morning 10 to 20 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This snow has been accompanied by strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects

The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.

The snow surface could become moist on south aspects with solar input.

Two notable buried layers persist, but are not currently a concern:

• A layer of surface hoar/sun crust from early January is buried 30 to 60 cm deep

• A crust with facets can be found at the base of the snowpack in shallow areas

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.