Avalanche Forecast

Wet loose avalanches have occurred over the last 3 days, on steep sun affected slopes as freezing levels rose with strong sunshine. Cloud and cooler temperatures on Friday will reduce the likelihood of wet avalanche activity.

Operators report chunks of cornice falling during warm and sunny weather, they have not entrained snow on the slope below to trigger an avalanche but remain hazardous on their own.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

At upper elevations moist snow overlies a crust on sun affected slopes, or faceted snow in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are also found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity, but professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it waking up.

Thursday Night

Clear skies to begin, increasing cloud. Freezing level drops to 500 m. Light and variable winds.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries delivering up to 3 cm. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m, alpine temperatures around around -5 °C. Moderate westerly winds, gusting 50 km/hr.

Snowfall continues overnight, 5-10 cm.

Saturday

Cloudy, 10-20 cm of snow. Freezing level rises to 1500 m, alpine temperatures of -5 °C. Moderate westerly wind gusting 60 km/h.

Sunday

Cloudy with skies possibly clearing in the afternoon. Isolated flurries. Freezing levels around 1300 m, alpine temperature around -7 °C. Light southwest winds.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.