Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain. Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Tuesday: New snow 5-10 cm at upper elevations and possible sunny periods. Moderate West wind at ridgetop and freezing level's 1500 m during the day and dropping to valley bottom overnight.

Wednesday: Chance of flurries and sunshine. Ridgetop winds moderate from the southwest and freezing levels rise to 1500 m.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods. Trace snow amounts. Strong southwest wind and freezing levels rising to 2000 m. 

The recent snow may have a poor bond to the underlying crust. Rider-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches remain likely on Tuesday. 

Over the weekend (pre-storm) the region continued to see rider-triggered wind slabs up to size 1.5. Most of these failed on the end of March buried crust. 

On Saturday, a large wind slab avalanche (size 3) released naturally on a northern aspect in the alpine. Many small slabs and dry loose avalanches released naturally and were triggered by skiers. They were 10-30 cm deep and ran on the recent crust. 

15 to 30 cm of storm snow has blanketed the region and buried multiple crusts in the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong west/ southwest wind will be redistributing the new storm snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs and developing large cornices.

The new snow brings 50-70 cm above will a crust from late March. The amount of snow on the crust tapers rapidly at lower elevations. This crust is present on all aspects up to an elevation of 2500 m. Below the crust, the snow is moist. 

The early-December rain crust is approximately a metre off the ground. Reports have recently indicated that large slab avalanches have failed on this interface earlier last week following a rain and warming event. This layer may be dormant now due to colder weather, however, it may appear again during the next big warm-up or with increased load from wind, snow and/or rain. 

• Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
• Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.