Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Expect warm and mainly dry weather until late Monday, with the freezing level around 2800 m. Light precipitation begins early Tuesday, before a Pacific disturbance brings up to 15 mm precipitation on Wednesday/Thursday. The freezing level is expected to be near 800 m through the storm. Winds are moderate to strong south-westerly on Monday, before switching to moderate north-westerlies.

Small loose wet avalanches have been failing on steep sunny slopes. Skiers triggered small thin wind slabs on Saturday. In the far north, two cornices collapsed on Friday and each triggered a size 3 slab on the slope below. Avalanche danger is expected to be lower in the cool parts of the day, and rise during warm, sunny periods. As temperatures rise, keep in mind the possibility of glide slabs releasing on smooth rock surfaces - avoid traveling on or under slopes sporting glide cracks.

In general, the snowpack is strong, but may weaken during peak warming periods. Cornices may fail with warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found in the alpine. On steep, sunny slopes, it is likely that soft, moist snow will develop by day, and crusts may form at night. Below treeline, the snowpack is generally strong and uniform. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas, and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Smooth rock slabs may act as a sliding surface for the entire snowpack to glide on in specific locations as temperatures rise.