Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Tuesday-Thursday: No snow. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperatures near -4.

Naturally-triggered wind slabs and loose moist avalanches have been observed over the last couple of days. Ice fall also triggered size 2.5-3 avalanches near Bear Pass and other areas. On Saturday there was a report of a size 2 avalanche, triggered from a distance by a snowmobile. This slide probably failed on the March 9 surface hoar. Many skier-triggered and skier-remote avalanches of size 1-3.5 were reported last week, with the bulk of events failing on the March 9th surface hoar layer down around 50 cm.

Recent new snow is settling with the influence of warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations. A layer of surface hoar (buried March 9th; now down about 40-60 cm) has been found at all elevations. It’s slowly becoming less touchy, but professionals are keeping a wary eye on it. Triggering this layer is becoming a low probability but high consequence problem. Check out the Forecaster's Blog for related discussion. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also reported to be gaining strength. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.