Avalanche Forecast

A few loose wet avalanches were reported over the weekend during the warm sunny weather. With the forecast cooling trend, loose wet avalanches will be unlikely.

Whumpfing (a collapse of the buried weak layer), was reported by our field team at the Seaton area last Friday, indicating that persistent weak layers still exist in isolated areas.

A thick melt-freeze crust sits on the surface in most areas, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where some soft dry snow may still exist.

At lower elevations, the surface crust may soften with warming during the day or the snowpack may be isothermal.

A weak layer of surface hoar is developing on the surface in shady areas at treeline and above.

A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust, remains a lingering concern for human triggering at upper elevations. In the east of the region, it is buried 30 to 60 cm, and in the west 50 to 100 cm.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with a trace of new snow possible. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature drops to around -4 °C. Freezing level between 500 and 700 m.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 4 of new snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.