Avalanche Forecast
Avoid being in or under alpine avalanche terrain. Stormy conditions continue in much of the forecast area.
Expect conditions to change drastically with elevation.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, several large to very large (up to size 3) slab avalanches were reported, along with numerous, large (up to size 2) loose wet avalanches during the rain.
On Tuesday, we expect that natural and human triggered avalanches will remain likely in places that are seeing rapid loading of new snow.
At elevations that are still receiving rain, avalanches will be less likely, and smaller.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate snow and rain are expected overnight Monday and through the day on Tuesday. 20-35 cm of snow expected in the alpine. This likely covers dense, moist snow. At treeline and below, expect to find heavy, moist or wet snow on the surface, becoming very slushy at low elevations.
A layer of surface hoar and facets has been found 30-50 cm deep in parts of the region. Below this sits a 15 cm thick hard crust. There is potential for the accumulated storm snow / rain and warm temperatures to overload these layers triggering large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy. 20 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind trending to strong southwest by the morning. Treeline high around 1 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 5-15 cm of snow expected above 1200 m. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. LIght rain expected, up to 10 cm of snow above 2000 m. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 3 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. Light rain expected, up to 10 cm of snow above 1500 m. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
These slabs will be most reactive at or near ridge crests, especially during periods when snow is being moved by wind onto lee slopes. Wet slabs are possible at treeline elevations and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Warm temperatures, strong winds, and new precipitation recently overloaded these layers in some areas, triggering large avalanches. Give the snowpack more time to settle and adjust as the storm tapers and temperatures cool.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Use caution when encountering moist or wet snow in steep areas or gully features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2