Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -8 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, freezing level climbs to 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

THURSDAY: Sunny, light south wind, freezing level climbs to 1800 m with treeline temperatures around 0 C.

FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, light south wind, freezing level climbs to 1700 m with treeline temperatures around -1 C.

Since the storm and associated avalanche cycle eased off early last week, there have been daily reports of size 1-2 natural and human-triggered avalanches in many areas. There have also been reports of larger (size 2-3) explosives triggered avalanches on most days. The size and frequency of these avalanches have generally decreased slightly each day.

There have been a few reports of sporadic persistent slab avalanches failing on the late January persistent weak layer in the past month, including one in the past week. 

There is around 60-100 cm of snow sitting on a persistent weak layer of facets that was buried in mid-February. Deep wind deposits and wind slabs exist in the alpine and open treeline areas, while a thin surface crust has been reported at most elevations. Surfaces are likely starting to melt and freeze on southern slopes and at lower elevations.

There is now 80-120 cm of snow above the late January persistent weak layer which is composed of surface hoar in sheltered areas in the trees and/ or a crust on steep solar aspects. Very isolated activity on this layer has been observed in the past few weeks.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.