Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Synopsis: A brief ridge of high pressure builds in for Monday bringing drier conditions and a mix of sun and cloud. The next system is forecast to affect the region on Tuesday. Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is around 700 m. Winds are light from the northwest.Tuesday: Light to locally moderate snowfall – 5-10 cm. The freezing level is around 600 m and winds increase to moderate or strong from the south-southeast. Wednesday: Unsettled with flurries or periods of snow. The freezing level is steady near 600 m and winds remain moderate from the south.

There are no new reports of avalanches; however, observations have been limited due to poor visibility and weather.

40-60 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past week. This new snow was accompanied by strong southwest winds forming touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of these layers. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.