Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A widespread natural cycle continues with a loose wet avalanche cycle to size 1.5 on all solar facing terrain to mountain top. A couple new slabs were noted on steep East facing terrain below cliffs that were likely cornice triggered.

Avalanche activity should decrease on Monday with slightly cooler temps and cloudier skies.

Warm temperatures are settling the upper snowpack and creating moist snow up to 2200m on all aspects and likely over 3000m on solar aspects. This new snow is settling and in some places overloading the weak layers triggering natural avalanches that are either failing on the ground or on the February crust down 60-90cm. Polar aspects in the alpine may still hold dry snow but isolated wind slabs should be expected if you are headed into this area. With our generally weak snowpack and the big pulse of heat, its a good time to avoid avalanche terrain in general. Extensive settlements were heard on Friday while travelling in any open areas indicating the snowpack is highly susceptible to human triggering. Avalanches have the potential to go full path reach all the way down to the valley floors. Cornices are large and looming over many features at this time of year and with the heat, they may act as a big trigger on underlying slopes.

GHOST FORECAST AREA

The Ghost area has more snow than usual. With this warming trend, pay close attention of what is above you. Wet loose avalanches and cornice failures are possible in this forecast region. Ice climbers should choose routes appropriately. Check out a recent MIN for more details.

Freezing levels will again remain elevated on Monday, but not quite as high as the last couple of days. Temperatures will reach +1C with freezing levels near 2100m. A temperature inversion is likely, so despite cooler overnight temps in the valley floor, treeline elevations (2200m) may not freeze. Clear skies mean that the mid-March sun will pack a punch. Winds will be moderate from the NW at ridgetop.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
• Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.