Avalanche Forecast

Large, naturally triggered persistent slab activity continued on Wednesday. A size 3 natural slab avalanche was reported on the MIN, at nearly 3 metres deep, this ran on the basal facets near the ground.

Up to size 4 avalanches have been reported from the recent warming and sunshine with wide propagation and deep crowns. Continued persistent slab activity is expected, as well as widespread loose wet avalanches and cornice failures as warming continues.

Expect to find moist or wet snow at all elevations except high north facing terrain. Over 100 cm of snow from the past week is rapidly settling but some storm slab instabilities may still be present, especially in wind-affected areas. These will likely trigger as wet avalanches.

A weak layer composed of facets on a crust is buried 150 to 250 cm deep and remains sensitive to both human and natural triggers.

The warm temperatures are expected to increase reactivity of all buried weak layers, producing large natural avalanches.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear. 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels remain above 3000 m overnight.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 15 km/h north wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C with freezing level climbing to 3300 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 45 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +9 °C with freezing level steady at 3500 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C with freezing level sustained at 3300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of strong sun.
• Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
• The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.