Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, natural slab avalanches were reported up to size 1.5. Explosive control in the region produced storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5.

With more snow and wind in the forecast expect natural and rider-triggered storm slabs on Friday.

50 to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a crust at lower elevations and wind-affected surfaces in the alpine and exposed treeline. Dry loose sluffing from steep terrain features is likely.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated. The recent snow has improved travel conditions at lower elevations, but many obstacles, such as sticks and rocks, lurk just below the surface.

Thursday Night

Snow 10 to 20 cm. Ridgetop wind 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing levels 500 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.