Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

This region should remain dry on Tuesday. Freezing levels are expected to go to around 2800 m, with cloud but also good periods of sunshine. Winds light southeasterly. On Wednesday, increasing cloud cover will cool things slightly, but freezing levels are still expected to be around 2500m. Trace amounts of precipitation could occur later in the day. On Thursday, light precipitation is expected, which may fall as rain in many areas. Freezing levels falling through the day from 2000 m initially to 1500 m by the end of the day. Winds moderate southeasterly.

On Sunday, a very large (size 3) naturally-triggered avalanche was reported on an east aspect at 2700 m that initiated on the late March crust and then stepped down to glacier ice. Loose snow avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported. Several cornice releases were also noted up to size 1. In one instance, a slab pulled out on the slope below as a result of the cornice drop.

60 cm of recent storm snow is reported to be generally settling well with recent warm temperatures and generally light winds. However, operators are still reporting moderate, "resistant" shears within the recent storm snow. Additionally, a crust that formed near the end of March is a concern, particularly on steep, solar aspects. With prolonged warming, there is the possibility for wet slabs to release on this layer, or potentially on deeper layers (including the ground), as melt water starts to percolate through the snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and drooping with recent warm temperatures.