Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

THURSDAY NIGHT - Clear / light south wind / alpine low temperature near -9FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -7. Some areas will experience an alpine temperature inversion.SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -5, low temperature near -7SUNDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries / moderate south winds / alpine high temperature near -3, low temperature near -8

No new avalanches have been reported.

The snowpack is generally stable right now, but low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. 35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic in places where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on south aspects at treeline.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.