Avalanche Forecast

High

Natural avalanche activity continued on Saturday due to warm temperatures and strong solar inputs throughout the day. Widespread loose wet avalanches were observed on most steep, solar-exposed terrain. Several cornice failures were reported at local ski resorts, triggering persistent slabs up to size 2.5.

Avalanche control on Mount Whymper resulted in numerous releases, up to size 3.5, triggering the January 30th persistent problem.

Newly formed crust on solar aspects overlays previous formed slabs up to 60cm thick. The slabs sit on weak layers of facets, surface hoar or sun crust formed in late Jan and Feb.

The mid and lower snowpack is mostly well-settled, though it is heavily facetted in thin snowpack areas. Tree-line snow depths range from 120 cm to 180 cm.

The ridge of high pressure will persist through Sunday, with freezing levels at 2200m, light to moderate winds, and clear skies. Late Sunday night, an upslope weather system from the east will move in, bringing cooler temperatures and precipitation, primarily affecting the eastern parts of the forecast region. Snow accumulation for Monday is expected to range from 2 to 10 cm.

• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.