Avalanche Forecast

High -

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy. Moderate to strong southeast wind. Alpine low around -7 °C. Freezing level dropping to 800 m. 

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high around -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine high around -6 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday: Clouds clearing. Light wind. Alpine high around -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Several natural wind slab avalanches have been observed this week size 1.5-3, some of them triggered by cornice failures. During the rain event on Tuesday, loose wet avalanches were reported up to size 1.5 at 1800 m and lower. 

Wet snow or crusty conditions can be found at least as high as 1700 m. Wind slabs may be found at high elevations that have remained dry.

A couple of layers of weak crystals in the upper snowpack appear to be bonding according to recent snowpack tests. Additionally, we suspect that the surface crust will help bridge these layers, further decreasing their likelihood of triggering.

A thick crust 50-80 cm deep which formed in mid-February effectively bridges any underlying instabilities in the lower snowpack.

• A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.