Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Synopsis:  A very strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern.  The optimist sees a storm in the models next weekend.  The realist says it’s still too early to count on.Tuesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, E/NEWednesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NEThursday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N/NW

Avalanche activity over the weekend was limited to minor sluffing.

The upper and mid-snowpack are generally well consolidated and layers are well bonded. In most areas, a widespread weak layer is now buried by up to 10cm of new snow but has not yet become a problem. This weak layer consists of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on open south facing slopes, facet grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of any of the above. This layer is not yet a concern but is expected to become a problem in the future when we finally get more snowfall. A facet/cust weakness near the bottom of the snowpack has recently become inactive but remains a concern. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche unlikely but the consequences would be large, destructive avalanches.