Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Apart from some light snow or flurries on Sunday, the next few days look dry and cool. Winds are moderate to strong from the north quarter (although wind direction will vary locally).
Avalanche Summary
Avalanches are generally unlikely, but small loose sluffing from steep sun exposed slopes is possible during warm parts of the day. Cornice fall and thin wind slabs may be triggered by people. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects. As we get increased sun and warming, these types of large isolated avalanches could once again become a problem.
Snowpack Summary
Cornices may be sensitive to warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. A dusting of recent snow may overlie old variable snow surfaces including wind slabs, a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 3 - 6