Avalanche Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, moderate wind from the west, alpine temperature drop to -12 C.

THURSDAY: Increasing cloud with isolated flurries in the late afternoon, light to moderate wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with storm approaching in the evening, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.

SATURDAY: Periods of heavy snowfall with 10-20 cm possible, moderate wind from the southwest, alpine high temperature around -6 C.

A few small (size 1) wind slab avalanches were triggered by riders on Wednesday. Fragile cornices and one large cornice fall have been reported over the past few days.

Strong wind from the southwest has formed isolated wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline areas above 2100 m. Below this elevation, 10-20 cm of snow covers a solid melt-freeze crust that now caps the snowpack. In many areas this capping crust may extend to mountaintops. The bottom 10-20 cm of the snowpack consists of faceted snow and decomposing crusts. This basal layer has not been an active avalanche problem in the region since December and would likely require a sustained warming event before re-emerging as a concern.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.