Avalanche Forecast

Current avalanche concerns increase sharply as you gain elevation. Near and above treeline, a heavy load of new snow is accumulating on a weak old snow surface where widespread facets and surface hoar have been observed recently. On all aspects in these upper elevation areas, you are very likely to trigger an avalanche that will break on the old/new snow interface, or within new snow. The recent snowfall has been accompanied by strong winds that will build stiffer slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. Watch for obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks, collapses, and recent avalanches. Avoid travel on or underneath slopes 30 degrees and steeper near and above treeline.

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.