Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Monday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level rises to 1000-1200 m and winds are light or moderate from the S-SW. Tuesday: Light snow 5-10 cm. The freezing level is around 1400-1600 m. Winds increase to moderate or strong from the SW. Wednesday: Cloudy with showers or flurries. The freezing level spikes to around 1600-2000 m and winds remain strong from the S-SW.

There were no new reports of natural or human triggered avalanches on Saturday. Improved visibility on Saturday gave us a better picture of the extent of the avalanche cycle on Thursday and Friday. Most observers reported very widespread activity with numerous slab avalanches up to size 3 from all aspects and at all elevations. The common theme was that many slides showed very wide propagation, and quite a few released on surprisingly low angle slopes (25-35 degrees).

This weeks "Pineapple Express Light" brought an average of 60-70 cm of new snow to the region. The snow line may have gone up to ridge top in the south, but only 1400-1600 m in the north. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow and rain, and the resulting avalanche cycle, has helped flush-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 80-120 cm deep. However, these layers are likely still intact and reactive in places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted.