Avalanche Forecast

A widespread natural avalanche cycle Tuesday/Wednesday was triggered by heavy snowfall turning to heavy rain at most elevations. Avalanches to size 3.5 were showing very wide propagation across terrain features and running far into the runout zones.

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but conditions remain prime for human triggered avalanches.

Approximately 50cms of new snow has fallen over the last few days with very warm temperatures. This has created either a crust or moist surface snow. This moist heavy snow sits on top of a large weak layer of surface hoar.

There is ~130cm of snow at tree line, below average for this time of year. Many early-season hazards still exist at or just below the snow surface.

The base of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets in most areas.

Snowfall with moderate winds will continue overnight Wednesday and into Thursday as the remnants of the storm move through.

Tonight: Mainly Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine low of -6°C. Winds 20km/hr. Freezing Level 1100m.

Thurs: Snow flurries, with trace snow. Alpine high of -7°C. Winds 15km/hr. Freezing Level 1100m.

Fri: Mainly cloudy with flurries, trace of new snow. Alpine high of -10°C.

• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.