Avalanche Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies with no precipitation, 30 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

WEDNESDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -5 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 30 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -5 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

No new avalanches were observed on Monday. Avalanche activity is unlikely anywhere a thick melt-freeze crust is on the snow surface.

A hard melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface across the region. The crust is thickest at low elevations and likely thins as you move higher and onto shady aspects. The crust may not exist on the highest of mountains on north aspects. There is the potential that recent north wind produced small pockets of wind slabs in isolated, steep terrain features in the alpine. 

At higher elevations, a weak layer may be found around 30 to 60 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted snow above a melt-freeze crust. Check out this forecaster blog for more info. Recent reports suggest that this layer is dormant.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.