If the sun is out and it feels warm, watch for loose moist snow falling out of cliffs and steep terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night and Thursday: An upper ridge persists on the region bringing dry conditions, light to moderate winds from the Western quadrant and an inversion with temperatures above the freezing level between 2000 m. and 2500 m. Friday: Traces of snow are forecasted with strong winds from the NW and dropping freezing levels to 900 m. Saturday: Similar conditions are expected with lighter winds from the SW and slightly warmer temperatures (around -4 C in the alpine).
Avalanche Summary
No new recent avalanche observations expect older dry loose avalanches from very steep terrain in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
There is a mix of new surface hoar layers and thin light snowfalls that have buried these layers. Some wind slabs have developed as the snow has been transported into the lee of terrain features at higher elevations. These have been reported to be reactive at ridgetops but have limited
propagation potential. Sun and warmth in the alpine could weaken sun exposed slopes, be careful especially where cornices could fall and act as a trigger. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November continue to show results in tests, but have not been reactive. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider.
slemieux,
Avalanche Canada
