Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack. Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Monday Night: Scattered flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -10.

Tuesday: Scattered flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate to strong west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -6. Freezing level 1000 m

Wednesday: Mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries. Light west wind. Alpine high temperatures around -5. Freezing level 1100 m

Thursday: Flurries. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high temperatures around -8.

Reports from Saturday and Sunday show numerous loose dry avalanche size 1-1.5 running in steep terrain in the alpine and at tree line. There were also a few skier and rider along with naturally triggered storm and wind slab avalanches size 1-1.5 on a variety of aspects in the alpine and at treeline.

30-60 cm of snow from the last week now overlies older wind-affected snow at high elevations, with about half this amount instead overlying a widespread melt-freeze or rain crust to a variable upper extent of 1700-2400 metres in elevation. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed this new snow onto a variety of aspects.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. Although isolated, there are two deeper weak layers that may persist in some areas. A weak layer of surface hoar buried 90 to 170 cm deep may be found across the north of the region while a facet/crust layer from November may be found near the ground in shallower snowpack areas.

• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.