Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

THURSDAY: Increasing cloud with flurries starting in the evening, moderate west wind, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.FRIDAY: 5-10 cm of new snow by the morning then clearing throughout the day, moderate northwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1000 m with alpine high temperatures around -2 C.SATURDAY: Heavy snow starting Friday night with 20-40 cm possible by the end of the day, strong west wind, freezing level climbing to 900 m with alpine high temperatures around -2 C.

The new snow was reactive above the crust on Wednesday, including a report of a small avalanche on a steep north-facing convex roll. See here for photo. On Saturday, a cornice collapse was the likely cause of a size 2 avalanche on a north facing slope near the West Lion. See here for images and more details. Looking ahead, the storm slabs may remain reactive, so be suspicious of the bond between the new snow and crust.

15-25 cm of storm snow sits above a hard rain crust at most elevations and above firm wind affected snow in the high alpine. It will take time for the new snow to form a solid bond with these varied surfaces - especially the rain crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.