Avalanche Forecast

High

No new avalanches have been reported although some cracking was observed in immediate lee's in commonly wind affected features.

The recent 5-8cm of snow from the trace snowfalls is making things look a bit better but not doing much to change the hazard. Wind slabs can be found in the Alpine with multiple layers of laminated wind slabs in the upper snowpack. The Dec crust is down 30 to 50cm is spotty through the forecast area, but is still a layer of concern. The deeper Nov and Oct crusts are faceting and could be triggered with large loads such as a cornice or a surface wind slab. Overall snowpack depths are well below average, and in many lower elevation areas it has little to no strength. Our biggest concern is triggering the wind slab and having it step down full depth. If you are uncertain of conditions, take the time to dig and have a look at the weak snowpack near the ground.

The less than desirable weather for skiers continues. Saturday will see partially sunny skies, perhaps some isolated flurries and a day time high of -8. Winds will be 35km/h out of the Southwest.

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More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.