Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to whether buried persistent weak layers become active, triggering avalanches, with the arrival of the forecast weather.

  

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature 0 / Above freezing layer of air 1000-2000m.

SUNDAY: Sunny / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 4 / Freezing level 2300 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 3 / Freezing level 2100 m.

TUESDAY: Sunny / Light, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 2 / Freezing level 2100 m.

Naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were reported up to size 1.5 on solar aspects at all elevations on Friday. 

Rapidly rising freezing levels and sunny skies are expected to elevate the avalanche hazard through the weekend.

Dry snow can be found on shaded aspects at upper elevations. On solar aspects and at lower elevations expect crusty snow in the morning and soft, moist snow in the afternoon. Lingering wind slabs and large cornices still pose a hazard close to alpine ridgelines.

A Persistent weak layer of facets 40-60 cm. deep that was buried in mid-February was reactive in the north of the region earlier this month but no avalanches have been reported on this layer since Mar. 3rd. There are several other weak layers deeper in the snowpack composed of old surface hoar, facets and/or crusts, all of which have been recently unreactive.

Big warm ups can awaken dormant weak layers resulting in large avalanches. Steep, rocky, convex terrain with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack are examples of places where triggering these layers are more likely.

Sunshine and warm temperatures often cause large cornice failures which are hazardous on their own and can also trigger large avalanches on deeper weak layers that the weight of a single rider would not trigger.

• Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
• Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.