Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with flurries bringing trace accumulations overnight. Light to moderate east/southeast winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight.

THURSDAY: Mostly clear skies with light easterly winds and scattered cloud. Freezing level rises to 1200 m. Snow begins late in the afternoon with up to 5 cm expected overnight.

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m.

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m. 

On Tuesday, natural and skier triggered wind slab avalanches were reported, mostly size 1 and up to size 2. These occurred at higher elevations on west facing slopes from the recent easterly winds.  

Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool conditions with little snowfall expected each day. Always consider the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep exposed terrain, cornice failures around ridgelines, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.

10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. A surface melt-freeze crust is found at treeline and below, which may soften during daytime warming.

Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack, which reports suggest are bonding well. The lower snowpack is considered strong and well settled. 

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.