Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

The ridge of high pressure rebuilds on Friday resulting in dry and sunny conditions for the next three days. On Friday, freezing levels should reach 600-800m and alpine winds should be moderate-to-strong from the NE. On Saturday, lower freezing levels may reach around 1000m. However, an inversion may form and there is the potential for a layer of warm air to sit at alpine elevations. Alpine winds are forecast to remain moderate-to-strong. Conditions should be much the same on Sunday.

No new avalanches have been reported since Monday when numerous wet releases up to Size 2 were reported from steep sun-exposed slopes. Isolated cornice failures and ice falls have also recently been reported. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to Size 3 were observed on all but North aspects. As we get increased sun and warming heading into the weekend, these types of avalanches could once again become a problem.

A dusting of new snow may have buried the previously variable snow surface which may have included wind-pressed surfaces or old wind slabs, a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.