Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light precipitation. 15-40km/h southwest winds. Freezing level dropping to 500 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation at higher elevations. 10-30 km/h southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation at higher elevations. 15-40 km/h northwest winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

TUESDAY: Mainly clear. 10-30 km/h southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.

During the warm-up last week, widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche activity occurred. 

On Thursday, a natural wind slab (size 2) was observed in the alpine from southwest winds redistributing new snow.

Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine and wet loose avalanches in steep terrain at treeline and below. 

Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall tapers rapidly with elevation. Southwest wind have formed small pockets of windslab in the alpine. A refrozen crust can be found below the new snow on all aspects as high as 2400 m. This crust is expected to break down throughout the day at low elevations with rain and warm temperatures. Below the crust, the top 10-30 cm of the snowpack is moist. At very low elevations, the snowpack may become wet and isothermal.

There are no deeper concerns at this time.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.