Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong westerly winds, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Sunny with late afternoon clouds, light northwesterly winds, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level 800 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with early-morning snowfall, accumulation 10-15 cm, strong westerly winds decreasing to light over the day, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 800 m.MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwesterly winds, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 800 m.

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, several natural wind slab avalanches were reported from all aspects up to size 2. Expect natural and human-triggered avalanche activity to increase with the storms and warming sunshine.

Around 20 to 30 cm of storm snow fell with strong southwesterly winds, producing storm slabs on all aspects with deeper deposits found in lee features. This snow fell on previously wind-affected surfaces. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces and could be reactive to both natural and human triggers.A hard rain crust that extends into alpine terrain is buried about 50 to 90 cm. Reports suggest the snow has a poor bond to the crust with test results showing sudden planar characteristics and a Rutschblock 2 (the whole block failing after standing on it). Monitor the bonds of the new snow as well as the bond of the snow directly above the buried crust. There are no substantial layers of concern below the crust.Also make note of cornices at ridgeline. Variable winds in the past month have produced cornices on all aspects. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as the sun packs a strong punch on clear days. Stand well back of them!