Avalanche Forecast

A size 2.5 natural glide slab release was reported on Thursday. This avalanche occurred at treeline on a south aspect. No other significant avalanches were reported in the past few days.

 A new crust exists just below the surface on solar aspects. Ongoing southerly winds have formed wind slabs near ridge crests at treeline and above. Cornices have also been by these winds.

There are several crusts in the mid/lower snowpack. Their depth ranges from 150 to 250 cm.

A large trigger, such as a cornice fall or a smaller avalanche in motion, could trigger a very large avalanche on one of these deeply buried weak layers. A single rider is unlikely to trigger this layer unless they are in a steep, rocky, and shallow snowpack area.

Saturday Night

Cloudy with clear periods, possible trace accumulation, winds south 20 km/h, treeline temperatures -8 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy, snow beginning in the evening, winds southerly 20 km/h gusting to 50, treeline temperatures around -5 °C with freezing levels reaching 1500 m.

Monday

Cloudy, up to 20 cm accumulation by morning with possibly another 5 throughout the day, winds southwest 25 km/h gusting to 55, treeline temperatures -5 to -2 °C with freezing levels to 1700 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud, trace accumulation, winds southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40, treeline temperatures -10 to -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
• Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.