Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Not much change as the broad upper trough is still in place. Cool and unstable conditions, combined with daytime heating, will likely give scattered flurries across the southern part of the province. Warmer and closer to seasonal temperatures will arrive on Sunday and Monday.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Partially cloudy / light variable wind / treeline low -6 C / freezing level lowering to valley bottom.

SATURDAY: Mainly sunny with increasing cloudiness in the afternoon / light to moderate east wind / treeline high around -2 C / freezing level rising to 1500 m / 3-5 cm localized accumulations overnight.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks / light southwest wind / treeline high around -1 C / freezing level rising to 1600 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds / moderate south wind / treeline high of +1 C / freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Observations are very limited this time of year. No new avalanches were reported over the past few days. If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider contributing to the Mountain Information Network.  

Up to 15 cm of snow sits on a widespread melt-freeze crust which formed during the major warming event on April 8. Periods of strong northeast wind earlier this week have redistributed this recent snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs which have now very likely stabilized in most areas. Cornices have likely grown large recently but are expected to be relatively stable with the current cold temperatures. A new sun crust may now be forming on steep sun-exposed slopes. Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack, which is currently well bonded with the ongoing cold conditions. The middle and lower snowpack are currently well settled and strong.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.