Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

TUESDAY: Periods of snow – up to 30 cm. The freezing level is around 800-1000 m. Ridge winds are moderate from the south. WEDNESDAY: Possible sunny breaks to start with snow developing late in the day. The freezing level could rise to 1200-1400 m. Ridge winds are light but increase to strong from the SW-SE with the arrival of the storm. THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level is near 1400 m and winds are light.

Natural avalanche activity up to size 2 was reported on Sunday, primarily from freshly wind loaded slopes. Skier testing also produced several slabs up to size 1.5 on steep and unsupported slopes. On Saturday there was evidence of widespread natural storm slab avalanche activity to size 3.5. The avalanches failed in response to heavy storm loading on Friday and possibly warming on Saturday.

Storm totals from the past week were well over 100cm with more currently falling and much more on the way. Previous strong southwesterly winds have shifted the new snow into deeper storm slabs on lee and cross-loaded alpine and treeline features. On all but higher elevation shaded slopes, the new snow from Sunday likely overlies a melt-freeze crust from high freezing levels and sun on Saturday afternoon. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged extensive cornice growth. Weaknesses below the recent storm snow are expected to have gained considerable strength while the mid and lower snowpack are also strong and well-settled.