Avalanche Forecast

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

FRIDAY Night: Cloudy with clear breaks, moderate northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks and flurries in the afternoon, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature around -4 C, freezing level 1100 m.

SUNDAY: Snow, accumulation 15-30 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light north wind, treeline temperatures around -6 C, freezing level 800 m.

A few cornices were triggered naturally and from explosives on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They were very large, as is expected at this time of year. On Thursday there was also a size 2 wind slab reported on a north aspect at 1900 m. 

Snow accumulated earlier in the week with strong wind from the southwest switching to northeast. New wind slabs likely formed during this time, which may linger in steep, alpine terrain features. This snow adds to the 30+ cm that accumulated on the weekend. All of the new snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. Observations suggest the snow has bonded well to the old snow beneath. 

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.