Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, up to 5 cm new snow, 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine low -8 C, freezing level lowering to 1000 m. 

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, trace of new snow, 20 km/h westerly wind, alpine high -1 C, freezing level 1400 m.

TUESDAY: Sunny, 20 km/h westerly wind, alpine high 2 C, freezing level 1700 m.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny, 30 km/h southerly wind, alpine high 4 C, freezing level 1900 m. 

Numerous natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed on solar aspects on Saturday. A few small wet slab avalanches were reported as well as a couple cornice failures of size 2 which did not trigger avalanches on the slopes below.

Naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were reported up to size 2 on solar aspects in the alpine on Friday. 

10-20 cm of recent convective snow and moderate westerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs below alpine ridgetops. Sunny skies and warm temperatures formed sun crusts on solar aspects at all elevations and up to 2000 m on polar aspects. Dry snow still exists on north aspects at upper elevations. Large cornices loom over alpine ridgetops.

Persistent weak layers of surface hoar, crusts, and/or facets 80-120 cm down have recently been unreactive and no recent avalanches have been reported on these layers. 

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.