Avalanche Forecast

Sunday night: Cloudy, scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow, light southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level dropping to 500 m.

Monday: Cloudy, scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1300 m.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, a trace of new snow, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -1 C, freezing level around 1300 m.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1200 m.

Over the past 48 hours, there have been reports of several natural and explosive triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 breaking in the new storm snow, specifically where it has been drifted by wind onto northeast aspects in the alpine. One of these avalanches was suspected to have been triggered by cornice fall.

20-30 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds have formed wind slabs in exposed areas on leeward aspects at and above treeline. This combination has also contributed to cornice growth, increasing the need for vigilance with overhead hazard. A temperature crust formed Friday at least as high as 1600 m. 

The stout upper snowpack continues to settle in mild temperatures. Several crust layers exist in the mid-pack as a result of previous warming and rain events. These have not been identified as bed surfaces or failure planes in recent avalanche activity.

The bottom 10-20 cm of the snowpack consists of faceted snow and decomposing crusts. Although inherently weak, this basal layer has not been an active avalanche problem in the region since December.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.