Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Tuesday: 15 to 20 cm at upper elevations by Tuesday, then the Pacific air will move farther east and south late in the day with light precipitation as it leaves the area. Freezing levels should remain at or close to valley bottoms.Wednesday: As the Pacific front moves out of the area, cold arctic air will move in from the north. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom.Tuesday: Continued cold arctic air in the region until the next the next storm approaches and the arctic air retreats.

No new avalanches in the region have been reported. This is more likely because of lack of observations rather than actual conditions. More westerly regions have reported a dramatic rise in avalanche activity.

Snowpack levels vary widely with reports of up to 180cm at tree line in some parts of the region. Moderate to heavy snow fall will continue to add load to buried weak layers. The upper snowpack contains wind slabs, surface hoar, and facets. Rising temperatures forecast over the next few days will consolidate the storm slab above these weak layers. It's difficult to determine when the slab will become reactive to light triggers like skiers and sledders. These weak layers are expected to be persistent. In many areas the upper slab is not yet stiff enough for slab avalanches. When temperatures rise, and with additional snow, expect these layers to become more active.Deeper, in the mid-pack, a couple of persistent weak layers (surface hoar and facets) can be found that formed in mid and late November. Near the base of the snowpack, an early season rain crust exists. The continuous loading of new snow and the rising temperatures may be enough to wake up these previously dormant layers.