Avalanche Forecast

On Tuesday, several natural avalanches size 1.5 were reported from steep south-facing slopes.

If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the mountain information network.

In areas that still have snow available for transport, strong north wind may form small wind slabs on aspects that are typically windward. A thin sun crust may now exist on solar aspects, becoming moist in the afternoon.

10 to 40 cm of snow overlies a widespread thick crust.

In general, the crust is strong and supportive to travel below 1900 m. Above 1900 m the crust becomes breakable and tappers out entirely around 2400 m.

Various weak layers persist in the mid to lower snowpack, however, triggering these layers is unlikely where they are capped by a thick crust.

Wednesday Night

Clear. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15°C.

Thursday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15°C.

Friday

Sunny. 10-15 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10°C.

Saturday

Sunny. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.