Avalanche Forecast

Several small (size 1) avalanches have been triggered both by riders and natural causes in many areas across the bulletin region on Tuesday.

This MIN describes an incident where a rider was caught in a small avalanche in the Shames backcountry over the weekend.

The potential to trigger similar avalanches will remain likely as more snow and continued southerly winds build fresh wind slabs over the coming days.

Up to 25 cm of recent snow accompanied by southerly winds has formed wind slab in exposed terrain at treeline and above. At lower elevations, where some of this precipitation may have fallen as rain, moist snow or a crust will be present.

A layer of surface hoar has been found 30-40 cm deep at treeline and below in isolated areas, mostly in the southwestern parts of the region. A 15cm thick hard crust with overlying facetted grains from the beginning of January is about 60 cm deep at treeline elevations.

The rest of the snowpack is strong and well-settled.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 2-5 cm of new snow / light rain, southwest alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline low 0°C, potential for a temperature inversion between 700 and 1400 m in southern parts.

Thursday

Cloudy with 1-3 cm of new snow / light rain expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline high of 2 °C, potential for a temperature inversion between 700 and 1400 m in southern parts.

Friday

Cloudy with 5-10 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 60 to 70 km/h, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level around 1100 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 35 km/h, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level around 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.