Avalanche Forecast

High -

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, freezing level 1500 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1500 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Large (size 2) storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives on Thursday in the recent storm snow. The likelihood of triggering avalanches is increasing as the storm continues.

Upwards of 40 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday and more is expected into Friday. This new snow has likely formed new storm slabs. The snow is falling with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges. In sheltered areas, new snow will add to the current 20 cm of snow that covers a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, which was buried on Boxing Day. A persistent weak layer that formed in early December may be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now, except for the east side of the region near Corbin.Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.