Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Thursday night: Flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with light to moderate southwest winds. Low of -4 at 1500 m.

Friday: Stormy with around 10 cm expected and moderate to strong southerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Saturday: Mainly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. Strong south winds. Freezing level around 1500 m.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels around 1300 m.

No new avalanches were observed in the region on Wednesday. Earlier in the week natural cornice falls were observed throughout the region.

A crust can be found at or near the surface on all aspects and elevations except high north terrain. This crust will likely become moist at lower elevations as the freezing level rises. Wind slabs may be found at high elevations on north and east aspects. Large overhanging cornices have also been observed in the region recently which may remain weak with the current mild conditions.

A couple of layers of weak crystals in the upper snowpack appear to be bonding according to recent observations and snowpack tests. Additionally, we suspect that the surface crust will help bridge these layers, further decreasing their likelihood of triggering older persistent weak layers. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.