Avalanche Forecast

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

An offshore ridge of high pressure brings dry conditions with periods of sun. There is some warm air aloft expected just offshore and uncertainty whether it will affect the region. 

Monday night: Partly cloudy, light to moderate N wind, freezing levels around 1500 m.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud, moderate NW wind, freezing levels as high as 1800 m with an inversion. 

Wednesday: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks, moderate NW wind, freezing levels potentially reaching 2000 m with an inversion. 

Thursday: Cloudy with flurries, moderate to strong NW wind, freezing levels around 1000 m.

No new avalanches were reported on Sunday. On Saturday, a natural rockfall-triggered loose wet avalanche was reported from a south-facing cliff band. Glide cracks were also reported to be opening up. 

Monday's snowfall buries a widespread surface crust which exists on all aspects and at all elevations. Thin new wind slabs may have formed in exposed terrain at higher elevations. 

The late-January melt-freeze crust is now down around 40 cm and is reported to be knife hard and up to 30 cm thick. This crust extends to at least the top of treeline and is generally well bonded to the adjacent snow. 

The middle and lower snowpack are considered well settled and strong.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.