Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries and isolated sunny breaks. The freezing level is around 1500 m and ridge winds are light to moderate from the south. Thursday: Cloudy with flurries or periods of snow – 15-30 cm. The freezing level is around 1200-1400 m. Winds are moderate from the S-SE.  Friday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level is around 1500 m and ridge winds are light.

Some loose wet activity was reported from steep sun exposed slopes on Monday. Over the past few days several cornice collapses were reported including a size 3 release on Forger Peak in Garibaldi Park. In the Rutherford area a few size 2.5 cornice releases triggered slab avalanches in steep terrain to size 2.

A melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects up to 2000 m and to mountain top on previously sun-exposed slopes. Dryer snow can be found on high northerly aspects. The recent warmer temperatures have helped to strengthen and settle the upper snowpack. Large sagging cornices are looming over slopes and pose a threat, especially when the sun comes out.The deep and destructive early February facet/crust layer is now close to 200 cm below the surface. This layer is largely dormant at this time; however, it should remain on your radar, especially when freezing levels are high and the sun is shining.