Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the complexity of the snowpack’s structure.

Monday night: light to moderate northwest winds in the alpine with the possibility of some light flurries. Low of -7 at 900m.

Tuesday: some light flurries with a high of -5 at 900m. Light winds from the north.

Wednesday: light snow throughout the day, 10 to 20cm by the evening. with moderate to strong southwest winds. High of -5 at 900m.

Thursday: 10 to 30cm of precipitation with moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 1000m.

Several storm and wind slab avalanches have been reported in the region up to size 2. Triggers included cornice falls, skier triggering and explosives. These avalanches were generally at or above treeline.

Up too 20cm overlies a variety of surfaces that formed during the clear period towards the end of January. This interrface is made up of a crust, facets and surface hoar. The crust can be found at or below treeline as well as on south facing terrain in the alpine. In isolated sheltered terrain at treeline surface hoar has formed along with facets above this crust. Where a crust did not form facets will likely be found.

The January 19th surface hoar layer can still be found down 30 to 50 at treeline and above in sheltered terrain. Recent reports indicate that it is becoming less of a concern. 

• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.