Avalanche Forecast

Numerous small wet loose avalanches with a few larger ones (up to size 2) have been observed across the region over the past few days.

On Thursday, there was a large natural cornice failure on a northwest aspect in the alpine.

Avalanches are unlikely when a thick surface crust is present. Loose wet avalanches continue to be possible during the warmest parts of the day as the crust softens and melts.

A thick, hard surface crust exists in most areas, which will likely soften and become moist or wet with daytime warming. The thicker and harder the crust, the less likely avalanches are. Isolated, northerly upper-elevation slopes that remained shady may still have some soft dry surface snow left.Weak layers from earlier in the winter are present in the mid and lower snowpack, but there has been no recent avalanche activity on them. They are now considered dormant and unlikely to trigger.The snowpack is rapidly melting out at lower elevations and will likely have moist or wet snow.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, then clearing by morning. 35 to 55 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m dropping to valley bottom.

Sunday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 25 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level rising to 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
• Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.