Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1300mSATURDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1300mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1200m

A report from Tuesday indicated a natural size 2 cornice failure that was suspected to be triggered by warming temperatures at tree line on a west aspect. Additionally, on Tuesday and Wednesday several explosive and skier controlled avalanches to size 2 and 2.5 were reported from a variety of aspects. These were mostly wind and storm slabs failing 10-40cm deep. Some were also triggered by cornices pulling out 20-40cm slabs on slopes below.

A series of snowfalls over the early part of the week accumulated 30-60cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest and southeast winds. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. A rain crust that was buried mid March is now 90-120 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer seems to be becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.