Avalanche Forecast
Reduce your exposure to overhead hazards, like large slopes or cornices.
Failing cornices have produced large avalanches recently.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend there were reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5.
If you do head out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust has formed on most surfaces up to 1800 m. Dry snow persists on northerly aspects at upper elevations.
Three persistent weak layers remain notable in the snowpack and have been responsible for recent large avalanches. Surface hoar that formed in mid-March can be found 50 to 100 cm below the snow surface. Below this, another layer of surface hoar that formed in early March can be found at a depth of 100 to 150 cm. Additionally, a layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 100 to 200 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. up to 10cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 900 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 mm/cm of rain/snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers of surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack have recently produced large avalanches. Surface instabilities or large triggers may step down to these deeper layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. They can potentially trigger persistent slabs on the slopes below. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards, during the warmest part of the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5