Avalanche Forecast
New snow and wind have built fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. Evaluate wind-affected terrain carefully as human-triggered wind slab avalanches are possible.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no reports of avalanche activity in the region however observations are limited at this time.
We expect users who head into the backcountry on Wednesday may see a small wind slab avalanche cycle from within the new snow.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 20 cm of storm snow covers the surface at higher elevations. As winds pick up, the new snow will be redistributed by primarily southwest wind into lee terrain features at alpine and treeline. The new snow sits above a crust or moist snow except on high northerly aspects above 2000 m where snow remained dry.
The lower snowpack is settled and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow at upper elevations. Ridgetop wind northwest 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop wind southwest 15 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow at upper elevations. Ridgetop wind southwest 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with 2 to 5 cm of snow at upper elevations. Ridgetop wind southwest 10 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Where winds have redistributed new snow into lee terrain features watch for slab development. Be especially cautious of north and east facing alpine terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2