Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Warm weather and rain last week triggered a widespread spring like avalanche cycle with many avalanches gouging to ground in gully features and running full path. As temperatures have been gradually falling and freezing levels lowering with them natural avalanche activity has slowed. However, isolated wet loose avalanches continue to occur at lower elevations if the surface is not refrozen.

A robust surface crust is forming following recent warm weather making for difficult and hazardous travel at all elevations and on all aspects. Beneath the crust is a thick layer of moist snow that will freeze and increase the thickness of the crust when temps cool further.

The mid snow pack is gaining strength and becoming less sugary with the exception of lower elevations that have not refrozen yet. Down ~ 120cm the Dec 1 surface hoar layer is still visible but is decomposing.

No major changes on the weather horizon, more seasonal temperatures and small amounts of new snow.

Tonight: Isolated flurries - trace, low -7°C, light SW winds, freezing level (FZL) 500m.

Mon: Cloudy, isolated flurries - trace, low -7°C, light SE winds, FZL 1600m.

Tues: Flurries up to 8cm, low -4°C, light - mod S winds, FZL 1700m.

Wed: Cloudy isolated flurries - trace, low -9°C high -5°C,FZL 1400m.

• A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.