Avalanche Forecast

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

Synopsis: A strong Westerly offshore flow pattern is becoming established which is allowing a series of systems to come through for the remainder of the week. Tonight and Monday: A first frontal system approaches later Monday spreading light precipitation to the region. 5-10 cm of snow amount are forecasted with winds increasing to strong from the SW. Freezing levels are forecasted remain at the surface.Tuesday: Another, stronger system moves across the region spreading moderate amounts of precipitation with strong SW winds later during the day. Freezing levels are forecasted to rise to 1000 m briefly. Precipitation amounts are forecasted to be from 10 to 15 cm.Wednesday: Another system is forecasted to come through, expect moderate to heavy precipitation with similar freezing levels.

A few small loose dry avalanches were observed today running out of steep terrain features. Expect more avalanche activity this week with the incoming weather.

The first pulse of precipitation has started adding load to the snowpack. With around 10-15 cm of new snow and strong SW winds on the underlying weak surfaces, natural avalanche activity will be possible especially on alpine and treeline slopes lee of winds.  The new snow will fall on a variety of weak layers such as surface facets, on a new surface hoar layer in sheltered areas, or on 10-40 cm thick hard windslabs in the alpine. The bond of the new snow with these surfaces is expected to be poor. Don't let the lust for powder get in the way of safe decision making. It is good time to make conservative terrain choices and to reduce your exposure to avalanche terrain. At treeline, ~30 cm below the surface exist another surface hoar or suncrust layer that was buried late in January. The mid snowpack is strong and supportive. Deeper persistent layers have been dormant, however they could wake up again if the light to moderate precipitation amounts forecasted ends up having more punch.