Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.
• We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

Over the past week, several, small  wind slab and dry loose avalanches have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers in steep terrain on a variety of aspects.

5 to 20 cm of recent snow with moderate to strong southwest wind has formed deeper deposits on leeward slopes but may have scoured the surface back to a crust on windward terrain and ridge tops. This snow overlies a layer of surface hoar on sheltered features.

20 to 40 cm sits over the early February crust that is thin and breakable on northerly aspects to ~2300 m and thick on southerly aspects.

A widespread crust and facet layer from late January is buried 30 to 80 cm deep.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.