Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Wednesday, a few cornice-triggered storm and wind slabs (size 1-2.5) were reported from north-facing alpine terrain.

Looking forward to Friday, human-triggered wind slabs will remain possible. Avoid wind-loaded areas and be mindful of overhead exposure.

5 to 15 cm of recent snowfall overlies up to 30 cm of more settled, wind-affected snow.

Below the recent snow is a crust everywhere except true north facing terrain at upper elevations.

The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is down 80 to 150 cm. It is currently considered to be dormant in most locations.

Many areas below treeline are either snow free or have very thin snow coverage. Expect difficult travel at lower elevations.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow accumulation above the rain-snow line. 5 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with afternoon clearings. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1900 m.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +5 °C. Freezing level rises to 2500 m.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
• Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.
• Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.