Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A few natural and human-triggered wind and storm slab avalanches were triggered in the region on Monday. In most cases, they occurred on wind-loaded features and were in the size 1 to 2 range.

Several loose wet avalanches triggered by rain have also been observed in the region.

Up to 20 cm of recent snow overlies moist snow or a crust. Fresh wind slabs may remain reactive at upper elevations in wind-loaded terrain near ridgetops. Up to 10 cm of new snow is expected overnight, and freezing levels are uncertain, but currently the rain/snow line is expected to be around 1400 m.

Weak layers from February and March are buried 50 to 150 cm deep across the region. No recent avalanches have been reported on these layers, and they are considered dormant at this time. At lower elevations, the rain-saturated snowpack thins quickly with elevation.

For a detailed report of the snowpack, check out this excellent MIN post.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy, with up to 10 cm snow above 1400 m, possible rain below. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1600 m dropping to 1000 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow above 1600 m, possible rain below. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.