Avalanche Forecast

Observations are limited at this time of year, but we suspected a natural avalanche cycle occurred over the weekend. Heavy loading from snow and wind at upper elevations formed storm and wind slabs, while rain at lower elevations saturated the snowpack and initiated wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

Looking forward to Tuesday, new snow and southwest wind are expected to form fresh storm slabs at treeline and above. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found in wind-loaded terrain.

Below 1000 meters, the snowpack has been heavily impacted by rain and a wet or crusty surface can be found. Above this elevation, dry snow will continue to accumulate above a melt-freeze crust that extends to at least 1800 meters. At treeline and above, recent storm snow has been blown into wind slabs on west through east aspects. Below the new snow is a strong, well-settled snowpack.

Monday night

Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -2 °C. Ridge wind southwest 15-30 km/h. Freezing level 900 metres.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with periods of heavy snowfall, 10-30 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -1 °C. Ridge wind south, switching to west 20-50 km/h. Freezing level 900 metres.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 1 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind south 10-30 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1100 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.