Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Loose Wet.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWatch for small but reactive pockets of dry snow, especially in wind-affected areas.Keep an eye on warming temperatures and back of slopes when they become moist.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a skier triggered a small, thin wind slab at an entrance to a northwest-facing slope.
On Friday afternoon, loose, dry avalanches and pinwheeling were observed in steep rocky terrain in the sun. As the sun pokes out and temperatures warm, loose wet avalanches may become possible.
Snowpack Summary
The wind has shifted directions and impacted dry snow at upper elevations, which may also cover a thin layer of surface hoar on north-facing and sheltered aspects. A thick melt-freeze crust caps the snowpack, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where dry snow prevails. At lower elevations and on steep sunny slopes, the surface crust may soften with warming during the day, or the snowpack may become isothermal.
A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust is buried 30-60 cm in the east of the region and 50-100 cm in the west. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, except in the case of shallow snowpack spots or very large loads like cornice falls.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. Northwest ridgetop wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature low -6 °C. Freezing level near valley bottom.
Sunday
Cloudy, clearing later in the day. West ridgetop wind gusting to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature high +3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Monday
Flurries, up to 10 cm. Southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 70 km/h. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising above 1400 m.
Tuesday
Snow and wet flurries, 10-20 cm. Southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet-loose avalanche may become possible during the heat of the day. Back off slopes if snow turns moist.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 31st, 2024 4:00PM