Avalanche Forecast

Check out this MIN with some recent avalanche observations.

Over the past week we have seen a pattern of human and remotely triggered size 1 to 1.5 wind slab avalanches with a few being up to size 2.  These avalanches have generally failed  on a combination of facets, surface hoar and a crust.

Up to 10 cm of new snow could accumulate over a variety of surfaces including; a crust on south aspects and all aspects at lower elevation, Surface hoar in sheltered features and previously wind effected surfaces in exposed terrain.

Old wind slabs that formed over facets, a crust or surface hoar can still be found on south and west aspects.

15 to 40 cm of snow sits above a widespread crust from late January. Surface hoar may be found above this crust.

Snowpack depths decrease rapidly below treeline.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow expected. 10 to 25 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

Wednesday

Clearing sky throughout the day with up to 5 cm of new snow expected  in the morning. 10 to 25 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected in the morning. 5 to 15 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.