Avalanche Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, light wind from the west, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud in the morning with increasing cloud as a weak storm approaches in the evening, light wind in the morning then moderate southwest gusts in the afternoon, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

SATURDAY: 5-15 cm of new snow overnight then light flurries and cloudy in the afternoon, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperature around -5 C.

SUNDAY: Sunny, moderate wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

A few small (size 1) wind slab avalanches were triggered by riders on Wednesday. Fragile cornices and one large cornice fall have been reported over the past week.

Variable amounts of wind affected snow sits above a thick rain crust that exists up to roughly 2100 m. In many areas this capping crust extends to mountaintops. Sheltered areas have 10-20 cm of snow above the crust. The bottom 20 cm of the snowpack consists of basal facets and decomposing crusts that have not been an active avalanche problem since December, but could reemerge as a problem after sustained warming.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.