Avalanche Forecast

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

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 to 80 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

No recent avalanches have been observed in the region, except for some sluffing in steep terrain. 

Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network. Thank you to those that have already submitted this winter.

Up to 30 cm of snow from last week overlies a hard melt-freeze crust formed in early December up to at least 2000 m. To date, this layer has not been an avalanche concern but use caution if you find cohesive snow above the crust, particularly if there are weak, sugary faceted grains immediately above the crust. Strong wind from the southwest is forecast on Tuesday along with a bit of new snow, which is expected to form new wind slabs above this crust. 

Deeper in the snowpack there are a couple of hard melt-freeze crusts that formed in November. The concern would be if there were weak faceted grains around the crust, but there is uncertainty if and where in the region this may be a problem. Without any recent avalanche activity, it appears that this layer is dormant for the time being.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.