Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

The timing and intensity of the next frontal system (Friday/Saturday) is uncertain.Friday: Mainly cloudy, with moderate snow starting in the evening. Moderate to strong SW winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.Saturday: Overnight snowfall tapering off to a cool and unsettled flow with light to moderate snow. Strong SW winds easing. Freezing level around 1300 m.Sunday: Cold and unstable weather, with light snow. Freezing level around 1000 m.

A natural avalanche cycle occurred on Wednesday in response to storm loading. Observations were limited, but initial reports are of several size 1-2.5 avalanches at treeline and alpine elevations.

25-40 cm recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds have created new storm slabs and wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. A surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, rain-soaked snow will become strong once refrozen.