Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Loose wet avalanches triggered by rain have been observed in the region. On Sunday, a small wind slab was ski cut on a steep alpine north-facing slope. A large cornice failure was also observed.

See photo below for a note on persistent slabs.

Fresh wind slabs may be forming at upper elevations in wind-loaded terrain near ridgetops. Freezing levels are uncertain, but currently the rain/snow line is expected to be around 1500 m. These slabs will overlie mostly crusty surfaces other than northerly aspects in the alpine, where the snow surface remained dry. Persistent weak layers from January, February, and March are buried 50 to 150 cm deep across the region, though their current reactivity remains uncertain. At lower elevations, the rain-saturated snowpack thins quickly with elevation.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with 0 to 10 cm snow above 1200 m, possible rain below. 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level dropping to 1300 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries, 0 to 5 cm above 1500 m, possible rain below. 15 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.