Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Saturday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level is around 1200-1500 m and winds are light from the W-SW. Sunday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level is around 800-1000 m and winds are light from the S-SW. Monday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level remains near 800-1000 m and winds rise to moderate from the S-SW.

Observations were very limited during the storm on Thursday; however, it's very likely there was a large and widespread avalanche cycle in most areas. Some observers noted numerous natural and skier controlled slabs and loose wet slides up to size 2.

Another 30-50 cm of new snow likely fell above 1600-1800 m on Thursday night with heavy rain saturating the snowpack below treeline. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading, and the resulting avalanche cycle, may have flushed-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers that were buried 60-100 cm deep. However, don't rule these layers out right away. It may still be possible to trigger shallow slopes that did not release naturally. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted.