Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Tuesday: light snowfall - moderate west winds - freezing level at surface Wednesday: Very light snowfall - moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 600m Thursday: moderate to heavy snowfall - strong southwest winds - freezing level at 1100m

Recent avalanche observations have been extremely limited . Having said that, a few recently formed storm slab avalanches (size 1.5-2) were ski cut on north aspects at treeline and below. In the alpine a few natural avalanches to size 2.5 also occurred. I expect ongoing wind/storm slab and persistent slab activity with forecast weather.

Recent snow accumulations have been variable throughout the region, but mostly moderate daily accumulations and strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.