Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Where a thick, supportive surface crust is found, we expect that triggering avalanches on buried weak layers is unlikely.

Size 2 to 3 persistent slab avalanches were last reported on Tuesday 25th. There have been limited other reports through the week.

Wind has modified surfaces and formed slabs in lee features. A crust is found up to 1500 m on all aspects and higher on solar slopes.

A layer of surface hoar is now buried 30 to 60 cm deep, it persists at alpine elevations and on 'polar aspects' (slopes protected from the sun).

Another layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust buried in mid-February is 60 to 100 cm below the snow surface and has been reactive in snowpack tests.

Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of facets and a crust from early December can be found. This layer appears to be dormant but is still worth keeping in mind in thin snowpack areas in the alpine.

Sunday Night

Clear. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1700 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with snow showers, light accumulations, snow above 1000 m. 25 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m through the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.