Avalanche Forecast

Low - Due to the number of field observations

FRIDAY: Increasing cloudiness over the day with light snowfall starting in the afternoon, accumulation 2-5 cm overnight, strong outflow winds possible, alpine temperature near -10 C, freezing level below valley bottom.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light to moderate southerly winds, alpine temperature -4 C but cold in the valleys, freezing level below valley bottom with inversion conditions.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, moderate to strong southerly winds, alpine temperature near 2 C but colder air possible in the valleys, freezing level near 1800 m with inversion conditions.

On Tuesday, skiers were able to trigger pockets of wind slab on north-to north-west facing slopes.  A few size 1- 1.5 storm slabs and loose dry avalanches were reported on Monday between 1250 and 1600 m.

Variable winds are likely building slabs on many different slopes. Recent snow (around 20-30 cm) overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs.A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.