Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

  

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear / Moderate, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -2 / Freezing level 2100 m.

FRIDAY: Sunny / Light, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 10 / Freezing level 2700 m.

SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 11 / Freezing level 2900 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm. / Moderate, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 1 / Freezing level dropping to 1700 m.

Numerous naturally triggered wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported near Fernie on Tuesday.

As freezing levels continue to rise and remain elevated overnight, the likelihood for large cornice failures and wet loose avalanches will increase. Cornice failures could trigger deeply buried weak layers on steep, rocky slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive in isolated locations on steep northerly aspects in the alpine. All other terrain is undergoing a melt-freeze cycle with successive days of warm sunny weather. 

Strong solar radiation and warming will likely trigger the large cornices that hang over ridgelines. Cornice falls could trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.

The snowpack is overall strong and settled, although intense warming could potentially weaken deeper layers in steep, rocky terrain with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack. 

The snow line is slowly creeping up the mountains, making some access areas snow-free. 

• Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
• Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.