Avalanche Forecast
Failing cornices have produced large avalanches recently.
Reduce your exposure to overhead hazard during periods of warm temperatures, strong winds, heavy snow or rain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend there were reports of wet loose avalanches on southern aspects up to size 1.5.
If you do observe an avalanche, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust has formed on most surfaces. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.
Three persistent weak layers remain notable in the snowpack and have been responsible for recent large avalanches. Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface. Below this, another layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm. Additionally, a layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 5 mm/cm of rain/snow. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 2 to 4 mm/cm of rain/snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 5cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1°C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers of surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack have recently produced large avalanches. Surface instabilities or large triggers may step down to these deeper layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. They can potentially trigger persistent slabs on the slopes below. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards, during the warmest part of the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactive wind slabs forming on northern aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2