Avalanche Forecast

Good

On Sunday morning, the warm ridge of high pressure that has dominated the weather in the interior regions over the last few days will be replaced by an Arctic ridge of high pressure. This will result in colder temperatures but the generally dry conditions will remain. Some disturbance is expected as the pattern changes which will result in increased cloud cover and light flurries for Sunday.Sunday: Mostly cloudy, light flurries 1-2cm, temperature inversion breaking down and treeline temperatures dropping to around -5C, light NE winds at treelineMonday: A mix of sun and cloud, dry conditions, treeline temperatures around -8C, light NE winds at treelineTuesday: Mostly sunny, dry conditions, treeline temperatures around -5C, light SW winds at treeline

On Friday, several size 1 to 2 avalanches were reported in the region. These were mainly loose-wet natural avalanches on steep, south facing slopes caused by solar radiation and warm air. One size 1 natural cornice release was also reported.

The recent dry, warm weather has generally consolidated the upper snowpack. As temperatures now begin to cool, stability in the upper snowpack should increase further. Keep in mind that 'Low Hazard' does not mean 'No Hazard' and that residual risk of avalanches still exists. Old, stubborn hard wind slabs may still exist in isolated areas. A basal facet/crust combo (weak sugary snow above and below a crust) near the ground is still a concern in some areas. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche on it unlikely (maybe a heavy load on a thin spot in steep terrain, rapid temperature change, or cornice fall), but the consequences would be large and very destructive.