Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

TUESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest wind, 25-50 km/h / alpine low temperature near -8

WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 

THURSDAY - Flurries, 10-20 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6

FRIDAY - Flurries, 10-20 cm / southwest wind, 25-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7

With 15-25 cm of new snow and moderate to strong southwest winds, human triggered avalanches are likely, especially in wind loaded areas at higher elevations.

15-25 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Monday afternoon. This new snow has likely buried a weak layer of surface hoar in many areas. This new snow combined with southwest winds is likely forming reactive slabs, especially at higher elevations. 

A weak layer that was buried about a week ago is now down 20-50 cm. This layer is variable and has been reported to exist as either a crust or surface hoar. This layer may react easily to human triggers.

Another crust that was buried in early November can be found near the base of the snowpack. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, however it may be possible to trigger it from shallow, rocky terrain.

• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.