Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Wednesday night and Thursday: An upper ridge persists on the region bringing dry conditions, moderate to strong winds from the Western quadrant and an inversion with temperatures above the freezing level between 2000 m. and 2500 m. Friday: Traces of snow are forecasted with moderate winds from the NW and dropping freezing levels to 600 m. Saturday: Similar conditions are expected with lighter winds from the S and slightly warmer temperatures (around -4 C in the alpine).

Small loose dry avalanches have been reported in steep terrain and also loose moist avalanches on steep solar aspects.

Forecasted alpine warming and direct sun may lead to a loose moist snow surface. New wind slabs were formed by recent NW winds below ridgetops on lee aspects. Loose dry snow is sluffing in sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, in rocky, thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.