Avalanche Forecast

Large natural wind slab and persistent slab avalanches (up to size 2.5) were reported on Friday. Pinwheeling and loose wet activity also occurred.

Over the last week, skiers were surprised by large avalanches; several were remotely triggered from a distance from low-angle or flat terrain. These avalanches failed on the buried weak layer described in the snowpack summary.

Expect natural avalanche activity to continue with the current warm weather.

Expect surface snow to be wet or moist.

A layer of weak, faceted crystals over a crust, or surface hoar, is the primary layer of concern, buried around 40 to 80 cm deep. This layer has produced large avalanches, especially at treeline and below, during the last week.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and clouds. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

For more details, see the Mountain Weather Forecast.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.