Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Saturday: Light snowfall - Moderate southwest winds - Freezing level at 800m Sunday: Light to moderate snowfall - Moderate to strong southwest winds - Freezing level at 1000m Monday: Light snowfall - Moderate southwest winds - Freezing level at 700m

Avalanche observations were very limited on Thursday; however, natural avalanches to size 2.5 were observed on Wednesday. It is suspected that cornice fall was the trigger for a size 3.5 slab on a west facing alpine feature. Several skier-triggered size 1.5 avalanches within the recent storm snow were also reported in the region. The possibility of deep and destructive avalanches will persist throughout the forecast period.

Last weekend 60-100 cm of snow fell in the region. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures with this system created the perfect recipe for storm and wind slabs. This recent snowfall added to the metre or so that overlies the mid-February surface hoar. This surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets.These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.