Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind light to moderate, west. Alpine temperature near -8. Freezing level 700 m. Snow beginning overnight.FRIDAY: Flurries. Accumulation 10-15 cm. Ridge wind light to moderate northwest. Alpine temperature near -7. Freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Ridge wind light, west. Alpine temperature near -8. Freezing level 800 m.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3.5 was reported on Tuesday following the storm. Storm slabs from 50 to 100 cm deep were reported on most aspects between 1400-2300 m.  Southerly aspects were the most reactive with numerous large and very large (size 2.5 - 3.5) avalanches running on the most recently buried crust.

Approximately 60 to 100 cm of recent storm snow has fallen with moderate to strong winds from the south / west. The storm snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces: sun crusts at lower elevations and on south aspects, and older storm snow or wind slabs up high. Surface hoar layers have been reported on shaded aspects at higher elevations.  Persistent weak layers from early January and mid-December are still being reported by local operators but are generally considered dormant. Large triggers such as a surface avalanche stepping down or a large cornice fall, or a human trigger in a shallow or variable-depth snowpack area could still be potential triggers. These layers consist of sun crust, surface hoar and/or facets.