Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Thursday: Cloudy. Light snow accumulations beginning late in the evening. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom. Friday: Snow amounts up to 10cm. Freezing levels remain in the valley. Winds will be strong from the south west. Saturday: Cloudy with flurries during the day.

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. I suspect we will see a natural cycle through the early part of the weekend with more snow and wind forecast. If you see any avalanche activity, or have made field observations please feel free to send them our way. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Up to 20cm new snow has fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust. This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This may be a suspect layer of concern as when future storms with significant snow and wind arrive. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are forming. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, with easy shears and cracking being reported. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca