Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche activity slowed over the weekend after Friday’s warm, sunny weather triggered several wet loose avalanches and large cornice falls (up to size 2.5), some of which initiated slabs up to 1.5 m deep.

Mostly cloudy, cool weather should keep avalanche activity unlikely, but sunshine could still possibly trigger small wet loose avalanches or cornices.

Dry snow may linger on high shady north slopes, with isolated flurries adding up to 5 cm.

The snowpack is generally well-settled and strong, with a typical spring diurnal pattern. Daytime warming moistens the upper snowpack, and overnight cooling usually forms a hard crust at higher elevations. Lower elevations may not refreeze and are melting out quickly.

Dormant weak layers may still exist in isolated alpine terrain, but likely need a heavy trigger, like a cornice fall, to trigger.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday

Sunny. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.