Avalanche Forecast

Good

Thursday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures near -12.Friday: Isolated flurries and overcast skies, winds light from the west and northwest. Alpine temperatures near -11.Saturday: Another weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the northwest.

A report from the weekend indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated avalanche activity in the region has been limited to loose snow avalanches in steep terrain and thin wind slab releases to size 1.5. Many Glide cracks exist throughout the region in areas where they are not typically seen. The potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.

A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas at and below tree line there is newly formed surface hoar sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a sun crust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.