Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A natural avalanche cycle has started in the park, triggered by new snow and increased winds. The bulk of the avalanches Friday afternoon have been from steep rocky terrain on Mount Tupper and Macdonald. Most notable are a few size 3s that ran fast and far.

Neighbouring operations are reporting that the Jan 7th/9th surface hoar is starting to become reactive as a slab builds on top of it. This is the layer to watch out for.

Recent 15-25cms of storm snow buries widespread surface hoar and sun crusts(on steep solar aspects).

Below this interface are firm, wind pressed surfaces in exposed areas and low density sugary snow in sheltered areas.

The Jan 7th layer is down 30-60cm, comprised of surface hoar (all aspects) and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well bonded and strong.

Moderate to heavy precipitation with strong winds through to Saturday.

Tonight 8cm. Alp Low: -10°C. Ridge wind SW 35 km/h. Freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom

Sat Mix of sun & cloud with convective flurries. 5-10cm. Alp low -12°C. Ridge wind SW 25-40km/h. FZL Valley Bottom(VB).

Sun Cloudy with sunny periods. Alp low -19°C. Ridge wind S 15-25km/hr, FZL VB

Mon Mix of sun & cloud. Alp high -19°C. Ridge wind SE 25km/h.

• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.