Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure will build in for Thursday. The ridge is interrupted on Friday as a weak disturbance pushes through. Thursday: Mainly sunny. Light northwest winds. Freezing level at valley bottom.Friday: A chance of flurries or light snow. Light northwest winds. Freezing level at valley bottom.Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level remains at valley bottom.  

There is one new report of a skier controlled size 2 avalanche in the northern part of the region. The slide released on a steep convex roll below treeline and likely failed on the late December persistent weakness.

50-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the past 10 days or so. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow including touchy surface hoar and/or facets from the end of December under it all. Recent strong southwesterly to easterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. A deeper surface hoar layer was buried at the beginning of December and is now down well over a metre, but there are no recent reports of activity on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.