Avalanche Forecast

High

Reports of avalanche activity have significantly decreased since last week's storm cycle. However, on Sunday, a natural cornice drop triggered a large wind slab on a south-facing alpine slope. The slab failed on a buried crust, highlighting that while avalanches may be becoming less likely to trigger, the potential for large avalanches still exists.

Surface hoar growth continues. Anticipate a thin surface crust on all south-facing or sun-exposed slopes. Elsewhere expect variable wind-affected surfaces.

In the upper snowpack, a crust with facets and/or surface hoar, buried in mid-January, can be found roughly 20 to 50 cm down from the surface.

The mid and lower snowpack contains several layers that we continue to monitor but do not currently pose a significant concern.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday

Cloud building with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
• Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.