Avalanche Forecast
Newly formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering on Saturday.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed in steep terrain in the east of the region.
On Wednesday, a natural cornice fall triggered a size 2.5 wind slab in the east of the region. This occurred on a NW aspect at 2300 m, and the slab was 100 cm thick.
Snowpack Summary
A widespread surface crust is expected to have formed after Thursday's warming event. The new snowfall on Friday and Saturday is expected to be redistributed by moderate winds in wind-exposed terrain.
There are three notable weak layers from February and March in the middle of the snowpack. These layers have recently gone dormant and are not expected to pose a hazard under the current conditions.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with snowfall up to 8 cm. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Saturday
Cloudy with snowfall up to 5 cm. 20-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with lingering flurries in the morning. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactive wind slabs on Saturday as the new snowfall continues to be redistributed by moderate southwesterly winds.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5