Avalanche Forecast

High

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.

January 24

• Evidence of large, solar-induced wet avalanches and cornice failures up to size 3, likely occurring in the last few days.

January 23

• Numerous small to large loose wet avalanches were reported in the Shames backcountry area. There were also reports of glide cracks opening on many slopes.

January 19

• Numerous large (up to size 3) explosive triggered avalanche were reported. Mostly failing as cornices or persistent slabs.

5 to 15 cm is forecast to accumulate by the end of Monday, covering older surfaces.

In the alpine, a widespread melt freeze crust exists on solar aspects and within the band of recent above freezing layers. The rest of the alpine surface is firm and wind-affected. Small pockets of stubborn wind slab may exist. Surface facetting has been noted on all these surfaces. The January 3rd surface hoar is still a layer of note and found between 100 and 250 cm deep.

At treeline and below treeline, the previously warm and wet surface snow has now become a robust melt-freeze crust. Up to 30 mm surface hoar growth has been noted on this layer.

Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 to 450 cm.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
• Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.