Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain.
Intense spring sun and rising temperatures have increased the risk of large natural and rider-triggered avalanches.
We expect persistent weak layers to become more reactive as the temperature increases. Cornices are also weakening, and large falling cornice chunks could trigger an even bigger avalanche.
Freezing levels are rising, and the spring sun packs a punch. The chance of loose wet avalanches will increase throughout the day.
The basal snowpack remains generally weak, especially at higher elevations where a protective crust above may not exist. Loose wet avalanches or falling cornices may have the potential to trigger this deep layer.
Thursday, several loose wet avalanches, a large (size 2.5) naturally triggered persistent slab and a skier-triggered avalanche were observed. (See photos)
Wednesday, west of Golden, a large, human-triggered persistent slab avalanche was reported. This avalanche was triggered on a ridge crest that had been previously ski-cut.
Looking forward, we are expecting persistent avalanche problems to become worse with rising temperatures and intense spring sun.
During the day, frozen and crusty surface snow will melt and turn moist or slushy due to high freezing levels combined with intense sun. This will be especially prevalent on sunny slopes and at lower elevations. This will cause the avalanche hazard to rise as the day warms. High-elevation shady north-facing slopes may still have some dry snow.
A widespread crust is buried roughly 80-120 cm deep. Weak faceted crystals and surface hoar above this crust are contributing to large avalanches across the province and continue to be the primary layer of concern here.
The basal snowpack is generally weak and faceted, with the potential to produce very large avalanches with the forecast of prolonged warming.
Friday Night
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level around 2900 m with a potential temperature inversion below 1800 m.
Saturday
Sunny. No new snow expected. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 7 °C. Freezing level around 3000 m with a overnight temperature inversion below 1800 m.
Sunday
Sunny. No new snow expected. 5 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C. Freezing level rising to 3200 m.
Monday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. 5 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C. Freezing level rising to 3300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
