Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Minimal avalanche activity observed today (<size 1.5) from steep, rocky features at treeline in the highway corridor. On Friday, we observed a few larger loose snow avalanches on steep solar aspects, up to size 2.5.

There was a widespread cycle of avalanche activity on steep solar aspects on Thursday. These were primarily loose snow avalanches in the size 1-2 range, with a few larger (size 3) avalanches in the steep paths off of Mt. Tupper. There was also skier triggered size 1.5 slab avalanche reported in 8812 bowl. All activity was suspected to be failing on the March 11th crust.

Up to 40cm of recent snow is settling over a variety of old surfaces (sun crust, surface hoar and soft facetted snow). This storm snow will take longer to bond where it sits on a crust/surface hoar combo.

Below this is a generally strong snowpack, however the basal weakness of rounding facets/decomposing crust persists near the ground and should factor in to your terrain use decisions.

High pressure will maintain stable weather throughout the week.

Tonight: Clear periods. Alpine low -5°C. Light Southwest ridgetop winds.

Sunday: Sunny periods. High -3°C, freezing level (FZL) 1800m. Light E winds.

Monday: Mainly cloudy. Low -7°C, High -3°C, FZL 1700m. Light E wind.

Tuesday: Mainly sunny. Low -10°C, High -4°C. FZL 1500m.

• Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.