Avalanche Forecast

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1300 m.

FRIDAY: Clear skies with afternoon cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall and late afternoon clearing, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 800 m.

A few small loose wet avalanches were observed from steep rocks on Wednesday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Clear skies have formed a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed aspects, which will moisten during daytime heating. Soft snow can be found on shaded aspects, which overlies hard surfaces and potentially surface hoar in sheltered terrain around treeline. Isolated wind slabs may still linger in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine. The clear skies are allowing for surface hoar to grow, which may become problematic after the next large snowfall.

The midpack is well-settled. Faceted snow and crusts exist near the base of the snowpack in much of the region. This layer is largely dormant at the moment but appears to be most likely a problem on the eastern side of the region, in alpine terrain, and where there is relatively smooth ground (e.g., glaciers, scree slopes, rock slabs).

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.