Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

A strong ridge, with a northwest flow dominates the region bringing clear skies and rapidly rising freezing levels. Saturday: Mainly sunny. Alpine temperatures high of 7.0 degrees. Ridgetop winds light from the NW. Freezing levels near 1700 m rising to 2000 m overnight.Sunday: Mainly sunny skies. Alpine temperatures high of 9.0 degrees and freezing levels rising to 2000 m. Ridgetop winds light from the SW.Monday: Mainly cloudy with isolated precipitation. Alpine temperatures high of 9.0 degrees and freezing levels 2400 m. Ridgetop winds light from the SW.

Numerous loose wet naturals, and wet slabs were reported up to size 2 from steeper start zones at treeline and below treeline. Natural avalanche activity will likely continue through the weekend with sunny skies and a rapid rise in freezing levels.A widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 4 occurred over the past 5 days and deep persistent weak layers became overloaded, initiating very-large avalanches. In shallower snowpack areas, storm slab avalanches have stepped down to the December facet/ depth hoar layer.

The recent storm has brought 90+ cm or more too coastal regions (80-120 mm) forming thick storm slabs and wind slabs on leeward features. Warmer temperatures have helped to settle the recent snow. At lower elevations the snowpack has become moist, wet and saturated from rain. Large cornices have formed and loom over slopes below.Several persistent weak interfaces exist deeper in the snowpack. The early March layer can be found down 75 -140 cm. The early February layer is down 150 - 240 cm. These layers have become overloaded and are failing in some places initiating very-large avalanches.