Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

The region will see a mix of sun and cloud on Sunday with light to moderate southwesterly winds and freezing levels at about 1600m. Monday will see light precipitation with generally overcast skies on Tuesday. Winds will be light to moderate /southerly on Monday, switching to light/variable by Tuesday. Freezing levels are expected to remain at 1900m on Monday dropping to 1300m by Tuesday.

No new avalanches were reported from this region.

We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations have created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. Below the snow line I suspect light rain has been penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Melt-freeze cycles are the most likely conditions you'll encounter. If temperatures go below freezing, moist or wet snow surfaces may develop crusts that will strengthen the snowpack. During periods of warming, rain or direct solar radiation, crusts will break down and pushy and destructive wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches will become a real possibility. In short, warming is the most likely condition that will create an increased avalanche danger at this time of year, especially if there is a minimal amount of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.