Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to difficult to forecast freezing levels.

FRIDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -1 

SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy, clearing in the morning, and then mainly sunny / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2000 m

SUNDAY - Flurries, 10-15 cm / strong south wind / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1500 m

MONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light variable wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1500 m

Rising freezing levels and sunshine will increase the likelihood of avalanches and cornice failures on Saturday.

On Thursday, there was a report of a human-triggered size 2.5 wind slab avalanche on a southwest aspect at 2300 m, in extreme terrain. 

There have been reports most days this week of a few natural and/or human-triggered wind slab and dry loose avalanches, ranging between size 1-2, as well as natural size 1 loose wet avalanches on solar aspects at lower elevations.

Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes at upper elevations and remain possible to trigger. Solar aspects have a crust on the surface, that may become moist with rising freezing levels and direct sun. Soft, dry snow can be found in sheltered, shaded areas. 

Massive cornices exist on ridgelines, which can act as triggers on slopes below. 

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas. A weak layer of facets buried in mid-February may still be found but has been gaining strength.

• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• Minimize your exposure time below cornices.