Avalanche Forecast

TUESDAY Night: Flurries, accumulation 3-8 cm, moderate to strong west and southwest wind, freezing level 1000 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow through the morning with higher amounts in the south of the region, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -3 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy skies, light to moderate west wind, freezing level 1600 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.

On Monday there were few reports of natural and skier triggered wind slab avalanches to size 1.5 on northerly aspects above 1900 m in both the south and north of the region.

Over the weekend there were several reports of small (size 1) human triggered wind slab avalanches around the Duffey area. They were mostly 20-25 cm thick (see an example in this MIN report). Some small dry loose avalanches were also reported in steep terrain.

Flurries over the past few days have delivered 25-50 cm of snow. This snow has generally bonded to underlying layers, but there could be some wind slabs at higher elevations. This snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.