Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

The freezing level is expected to remain at about 1500 metres overnight with continued snowfall and strong southwest winds. The north of the region may get up to 25 cm by morning and the south should be closer to 5-10 cm. Light snow (another 3-5 cm) continuing on Monday combined with strong westerly winds and freezing levels around 1700 metres. A bit more snow is expected on Tuesday with a chance of sunny breaks in the afternoon. Wednesday is forecast to be cloudy with flurries or light snow.

There was one report of a windslab size 2.0 that was 80 cm deep and released on a north aspect at 1900 metres. Forecast new snow and wind is expected to increase size and frequency of avalanches.

Variable recent storm snow totals across the region are generally in the 5-25 cm range. The snow surface varies with elevation and aspect with respect to sun and wind exposure, and includes dry new snow, loose facetted snow, wind slabs, and sun crusts. The mid-February crust is down around 10-30 cm where it isn't wind loaded or scoured. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer (up to 100 cm deep) and the mid-January surface hoar (80-120 cm deep) are generally dormant, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.