Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Wednesday a very large (size 3) and two large (size 2) naturally triggered wind slabs were reported on north and east aspects in the alpine. Several other slabs were triggered by explosive control work in the region. On Tuesday five size 3 natural avalanches were reported, two were triggered by cornice failures. Numerous size 2 natural and human-triggered avalanches were also reported.

Large human-triggered avalanches continue to remain likely.

Up to 50 cm of new snow has fallen since Monday. A crust can be found on slopes exposed to the sun at or near the surface.

Three persistent weak layers consisting of surface hoar and/or facets are found in the middle of the snowpack. The early March layer is between 80 and 150 cm down. The mid-February layer is between 90 and 170 cm deep and a layer from late January is down around 200 cm. In lower elevations, these layers sit over a crust.

Below this, the snowpack is well settled.

Thursday night

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
• Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.