Avalanche Forecast

Moderate -

TUESDAY NIGHT - Clear periods / east winds 20-35 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / southeast winds 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5THURSDAY - Flurries, 5 cm / southwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7FRIDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries / west winds, 15-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10

No new avalanches have been reported in the region over the past few days, but observations in neighbouring regions have shown regular, generally small (size 1) wind slabs reacting to skier traffic and ski cutting at higher elevations. Avalanche activity on the mid January persistent weak layer has tapered off, however test results still suggest that this layer could be triggered by humans in specific locations. When persistent weak layers stop producing regular avalanches, they can become very difficult to manage. This weak layer has become a low likelihood/high consequence avalanche problem. Check out a recent MIN report from Allen Creek here that illustrates this.

The upper snowpack at higher elevations is a mix of wind-affected snow and wind slabs on all aspects, as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The wind slabs are sitting on facets (sugary snow), and may continue to be reactive.In more sheltered areas at lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-60 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below treeline. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.