Avalanche Forecast

Numerous natural and explosively triggered avalanches were reported over the weekend, predominantly small in size (1 and 1.5) and storm or wind slab avalanches.

Of note was a large (size 2.5) avalanche that scrubbed down to basal facets, which occurred over the weekend in very steep alpine terrain, on a northerly aspect.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Approximately 20 cm of recent snow sits atop a complex, generally weak snowpack.

The mid and lower snowpack contains several potentially problematic weak layers. Of particular note is a layer of surface hoar down roughly 40 to 80 cm from the surface.

Weak basal facets characterize the lower snowpack, especially in alpine terrain.

Snowpack depths at treeline range from 60 to 140 cm.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature - 12 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace snow amounts, west alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with 2 to 5 cm of snow, northeast alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.