Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Numerous recent wet loose and slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on a variety of aspects in the alpine on Saturday.

The slab avalanches likely failed on either a crust or a weak layer of surface hoar, depending on the aspect of the slope. Strong solar radiation often increases the likelihood of triggering both loose and slab avalanches. See MIN 1 and 2.

A mix of wind affected and soft snow can be found in the alpine. Sunny aspects have a crust on the surface that may soften with daytime heating.

A few large slab avalanches were recently reported on a variety of aspects on steep alpine slopes. They likely failed on either a crust or a weak layer of surface hoar down 30 to 70 cm.

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Sunday night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0 to 5 cm snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0 to 3 cm snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
• Avoid steep convex slopes.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
• Cornice failures could trigger very large and destructive avalanches.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.