Avalanche Forecast

High -

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Light north winds / Low of -19 / Freezing level surface.

TUESDAY: Sunny / Light northeast wind / High of -9 / Freezing level surface.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate north wind / High of -10 / Freezing level surface.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong northwest wind / High of -8 / Freezing level surface.

A skier triggered size 1.5 storm slab avalanche and a large natural cornice failure (size 2.5) were reported on Sunday. The cornice did not trigger any slabs on the slope below.

Recent west and northwest winds have formed wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. These slabs may remain more reactive on south facing slopes where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust. Below the recent snow, there may be a layer of small surface hoar that is likely most pronounced on northerly aspects or sheltered locations.

Lower elevations have seen warm temperatures last week and have a melt freeze crust on the surface to 1500 m. 

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas, with prominent crust layers 50 to 100 cm deep. No recent persistent slab avalanches have been reported on these layers.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Minimize your exposure time below cornices.