Avalanche Forecast

Solar-induced wet loose avalanches occurred Tuesday and Wednesday on south aspects throughout the region, as conditions were clear and sunny. Chunks of cornices had naturally fallen off during the previous warm days. Small dry loose avalanches were also observed on steep northerly slopes earlier this week.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

At upper elevations, moist snow overlies a crust on solar aspects, faceted snow in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are also found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity, but professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it waking up.

The region will be under a building ridge of high pressure, with calm and dry conditions until Friday, when a southwesterly flow will return.

Wednesday night

Clear with cloudy periods. Low alpine temperatures of -9 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Generally sunny. High alpine temperatures of -4 °C. Light westerly ridge wind gusting 30 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind gusting 40 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. Local amounts up to 10 cm. High alpine temperatures of -5 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind gusting 40 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1500 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.