Continental

Lawinenprobleme

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  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1.5–3

  Avalanches: Recent activity includes human-triggered avalanches in NoName Creek. Remote-triggered slide on the "Island"- slope was previously skied over a dozen times. 

  We are still finding buried surface hoar and layers of facets under windslabs in the top 2.5 feet of the snowpack in some areas. Recent snowfall and increased temperatures elevated stress on our upper snowpack earlier this week. Persistent weak layers are adjusting to this stress and gaining strength, but it remains possible for a human or machine to trigger a hazardous avalanche in some areas. This will most likely be on colder mid- to upper-elevation slopes that are sheltered from the sun and have recently accumulated significant new snow. Unfortunately, this problem is hard to assess and will show no signs of instability before an avalanche occurs. Avalanches on previously skied slopes are possible. Using cautious travel protocols and terrain selection are the only ways to mitigate this problem. This is increasingly important as you move into new terrain. Avoid travelling on or below steep alpine slopes when possible. If you decide to ski steep terrain, do so one at a time and have planned escape routes in the event of a large avalanche

  Deep Persistent Slab: Weak snow buried over a meter deep is increasingly common as you move North through our forecast zones, with the Continental zone being the most concerning. Although it still remains unlikely to trigger this layer, areas that have been scoured from strong northeast winds now have a shallower snowpack, making this layer closer to the surface and potentially easier for a rider to trigger. The best way to check for deeply buried weak snow is by using your probe to feel for decreasing resistance below stiffer slabs. 

  This is a low-likelihood but high-consequence problem that may become more of a concern as warming temperatures penetrate deeper into our weak snowpack in the near future. 

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  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2.5

  Increasing solar radiation following the snowfall earlier this week produced a widespread wet loose avalanche cycle on 4/10. Quite a bit of shedding occurred, especially on solar aspects in the maritime zone during the afternoon. Yesterday's activity was much less widespread due to partly cloudy conditions and lower amounts of loose snow on sunny slopes. Even though the natural cycle has slowed, it will be likely for a human or machine to trigger wet loose snow on sunny aspects this afternoon.  East slopes will be the first to be affected and will be followed by the South and West slopes later in the day, and possibly the NorthWest in the early evening. Pay attention to the aspect you travel on today, and the timing of sun exposure. Keep in mind, slopes that are stable on your way out in the morning could become hazardous on your return trip. Signs of instability associated with this problem will be easy to spot and include moistening of surface snow, "roller balls", and small loose slides. If you see any of these, it will be best to stay off steep slopes where even a small wet slide could be hazardous.  Low elevations where the entire snowpack is becoming moist/wet will have an elevated hazard and may slide to the ground.