Avalanche Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures cool to -8 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures climb to -4 C with freezing level reaching 1700 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures up to -1 C with freezing level climbing to 2000 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with some isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of snow in the morning, moderate wind from the southwest, freezing level around 1800 m.

The AvCan field team observed a several size 1.5 to 2 dry loose avalanches near Elkford on Tuesday, and we suspect a few natural wind slab avalanches occurred in alpine terrain. A few large (size 2.5) wind slab avalanches were also observed over the weekend.

10 to 20 cm of fresh snow should settle relatively quickly, although could remain reactive in wind-affected terrain. The surface is likely moist and crusty below roughly 1800 m. Several crusts can be found in the upper snowpack and recent observations suggest the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.