Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -22 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -17 C.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 to 50 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -12 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.

Some storm and wind slabs were observed on Monday, often failing on the surface hoar crystals described in the snowpack summary. For areas where the recent snow has not formed a cohesive slab, small loose dry avalanches were observed. 

Looking forward to the coming days, slab avalanche activity is expected to increase once the recent snow settles and forms a cohesive slab. Human triggering remains elevated, particularly where the snow sits on the surface hoar described in the snowpack summary.

Around 30 to 50 cm of recent snow overlies weak surface hoar crystals in areas sheltered from the wind, which may also sit above a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The snow has consolidated and formed storm slabs in some areas and is expected to remain touchy to riders for some time. Expect to find wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.

• Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
• Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.