Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Several natural and human-triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported across the region over the past few days. These avalanches were primarily wind and storm slabs that failed on a buried crust or surface hoar layer. While most occurred near ridgetops, some were below treeline. Two large cornice failures were also reported.

We expect storm slabs to remain reactive to human triggers, and the sunny warm weather to trigger loose wet avalanches.

Up to 50 cm of recent snowfall combined with moderate to strong westerly winds built storm slabs in the region. The most snow fell in the northern and central areas, with less in the south.

The storm snow may take a while to bond, especially where it overlies hard crusts, facets, and surface hoar.

With sunny skies and a temperature inversion in the forecast, we anticipate moist snow and loose wet avalanches running during the warmest parts of the day. As temperatures drop later, a new crust is likely to form in some areas.

We continue to track early January and early December surface hoar and crust layers down 30 to 60 cm and 80 to 150 cm, respectively. Both are considered unlikely to trigger.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C, inversion.

Monday

Sunny. 60 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C, inversion.

Tuesday

Sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.