Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Sunday: Clear skies - very light southwest winds - freezing level at 1700m Monday: Increased cloud with the possibility of very light snowfall - light southwest winds - freezing level at 1500m Tuesday: Trace amounts of snowfall with possible clearing in the afternoon - moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 1500m

A size 2.5 natural slab avalanche was observed on a north aspect at 2300m. Details of the weak layer are uncertain. A size 2 natural avalanche was also observed having reacted on a crust on a southeast facing slope at 2000m. Solar warming is of particular concern this weekend, as it could destabilize surface snow and cornices, potentially initiating deep failures on the mid-February layer. Be particularly wary of sunny aspects during the heat of the day.

Recently formed wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes with good crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and unstable. A consolidated deep slab overlies weak surfaces that formed in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Operators continue to express concern about the potential for deep releases on these interfaces.