Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Thursday isolated natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor up to size 2.0 from the steep N facing terrain of Mt. Macdonald. Avalanche control in the area on Thursday also produced small windslabs and surface sluffing.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations have produced crusts on solar aspects, which may break down during the warmest part of the day. Isolated wind slabs can be found in the alpine.

Although generally strong, the snowpack still sits on a deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust near the ground, which is unusual for this area. This layer has not been reactive since the last major snowfall (February 27th). While currently very unlikely, there may be a lingering possibility of triggering this high consequence problem in shallow unsupported snowpack areas. This will be something that professional and savvy recreational backcountry users factor in to their terrain use decisions for the remainder of the season.

Saturday & Sunday: mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. SW winds up to 35km/hr and freezing levels up to 1300m.

Sunday: Up to 26cm of snow, high of -4C and winds from the SW 30-50km/hr. Freezing levels up to 1600m.

• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.