Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - High variability between forecast precipitation amounts and freezing levels with current weather models.

Avoid avalanche terrain when rapid warming and rain on snow events are forecast. Give a wide berth when travelling either above or below cornices.

No new natural avalanches have been observed and ski testing has not produced any significant results in the past 48 hours.

A strengthening melt freeze crust has developed over the last 72 hours and continues to build strength as temps have remained low and today very little solar effect was present. The surface melt freeze crust dominates the upper snow pack and can be found on all aspects and at elevations up to 1700 meters. The March 22 melt freeze crust can be found down from 15 to 45 cm and is producing hard resistant planar results when tested. Mid and lower snow pack is well settled and dense.

An arctic high pressure to the north of the region has brought to the forecast area below seasonal temperatures with light snow fall and light south west wind. Freezing levels have fluctuated between near seas level overnight and 1200 meters by mid day.

A westerly flow will enter the region late Wednesday bringing to the forecast area, rising freezing levels and temperatures, moderate precipitation amounts and moderate to strong south east wind. Western zones will receive substantially more precipitation and warmer temperatures with inland and eastern zones slightly cooler with less wind and precipitation. Wednesday: 0 to 5 cm new snowfall temps -1 to 3, winds light south east, freezing level 600 m rising to 1200 m mid day. Thursday: 10 to 20 cm of snowfall followed by 5-15 mm of rainfall late afternoon temps 0 rising to +3.5, winds moderate south east, freezing level 1000 m rising to 1700 m near days end. Friday: 10 to 30 mm of rainfall temps +3 to +6 winds moderate south east , freezing level 1700 m rising to 1800 m mid day.