Avalanche Forecast

On Friday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle was observed throughout the region with numerous size 3 avalanches on slopes that saw full sun. Cornice failure, solar input and/or warm temperatures were the triggers for these avalanches.

Widespread natural avalanche activity will continue over the next few days. Avoid all avalanche terrain and exposure from overhead hazards as avalanches could run full path.

Moist snow surfaces extend into the alpine on all aspects. The exception may be the high, shaded north-facing terrain where the surface remained dry.

40 to 80 cm of settling snow sits on sun crusts and wind-affected surfaces.

Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack. One from late February and the other from early March.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 70 to 130 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas.

The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.

Saturday Night

Clear skies. 20 increasing to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Alpine temperature remains around +7°C. Freezing level between 3200 and 3500 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. Alpine temperature high +5°C, low +1°C. Freezing level drops through the day from 3500 to 2800 m.

Monday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures high of +2°C. Freezing level drops to 2500 m.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures high of +1°C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
• Cornices may release remotely when approached.
• Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
• Avoid lingering or regrouping in runout zones.