Avalanche Forecast
Reduce your exposure to overhead hazards, like large slopes or cornices.
Daytime warming and sun will make avalanches more likely during the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
This past weekend there were reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5.
If you do head out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of new snow is present on the surface above 1500 m. A melt-freeze crust is on or near the surface up to 1800 m. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.
Three persistent weak layers remain notable in the snowpack.
Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface.
A layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm.
A layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.
At elevations below treeline, the snow pack is rain saturated and isothermal.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy with flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 mm/cm of rain/snow. 40 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers of surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack have recently produced large avalanches. Surface instabilities or large triggers may step down to these deeper layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. They can potentially trigger persistent slabs on the slopes below. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards, during the warmest part of the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Steep, rocky sun facing slopes will destabilize with warming temperatures at lower elevations.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2