Avalanche Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries, up to 5 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -7 

TUESDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1500 m

WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1700 m

THURSDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 2300 m

Since the storm and associated avalanche cycle eased off early last week, there have been daily reports of size 1-2 natural and human-triggered avalanches in many areas. There have also been reports of larger (size 2-3) explosives triggered avalanches on most days. The size and frequency of these avalanches have generally decreased slightly each day.

There have been a few reports of sporadic persistent slab avalanches failing on the late January persistent weak layer in the past month, including one in the past week. 

There is around 60-100 cm of now sitting on a persistent weak layer of facets that was buried in mid-February. Deep wind deposits and wind slabs exist in the alpine and open treeline areas.

There is now 80-120 cm of snow above the late January persistent weak layer which is composed of surface hoar in sheltered areas in the trees and/ or a crust on steep solar aspects. Very isolated activity on this layer has been observed in the past few weeks.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.