Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A few small dry loose avalanches were observed in the park on Saturday running from steep terrain features.

Earlier in the week, numerous afternoon solar triggered avalanches sz 2-2.5, with isolated sz 3's. Some of these avalanches, occurring at treeline and below, have failed at the ground and gouged deep into the snowpack.

Deep persistent slabs are a concern, with a report of a cornice-triggered pocket high on Mt Smart failing to glacial ice, as well as a deep slab on Mt Fidelity.

10-15cm of new snow covers widespread crusts on solar aspects and patchy surface hoar in sheltered terrain. Warm temperatures have rapidly settled the snowpack this week.

Below this is a generally strong snowpack, however the basal weakness of rounding facets/decomposing crust near the ground should factor into how you use the terrain.

A broad upper trough will continue to create unsettled weather through Sunday bringing isolated flurries. On Monday a ridge of high pressure from the north invades the province bringing dry air and a clearing trend.

Tonight: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, Alp low -8*C, light W ridge winds , FZL 1000 m

Sun: Mainly cloudy, scattered flurries up to 4cm, Alp high -6, light ridge winds, FZL 1400m

Mon: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, Alp high -6*C, light ridge winds, FZL 1500m

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 25cm of new snow.