Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries brining 5-10 cm of snow above 1500 m, 30-50 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around -1 C.

MONDAY: Unsettled weather with clouds and scattered flurries bringing 5-10 cm of snow above 1300 m, 20-40 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures drop to -3 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with up to 5 cm of snow above 1300 m, 20 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow above 1200 m, 20 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -6 C.

Although observations are limited right now, there were a few reports of small wet loose avalanches (size 1) on sun-exposed slopes on Friday and Saturday. Looking ahead to Monday, there could be some new wind slabs forming in areas that receive more than 15 cm of snow.

By Monday afternoon there could be 5 to 15 cm of new snow above 1300 m, possibly forming a few new wind slabs in steep alpine terrain. At treeline and above, this snow will fall on a melt-freeze crust, while lower elevations will have moist and rain soaked surfaces. Some dry snow has been reported above 2000 m on north aspects. The lower snowpack should be strong under the current cool weather, but large looming cornices remain a concern this time of year.

• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.