Avalanche Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-10 cm (rain below ~700 m) / Extreme, west wind / Low of -2 / Freezing level rising to 1100 m.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm, and another 5-10 cm overnight / Strong, west wind / High of 1 / Freezing level 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong, southwest wind / High of 2 / Freezing level 1200 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light, west wind / High of -2 / Freezing level 800 m.

Several skier triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on Tuesday. The size and distribution of the wind slabs are expected to increase with the incoming snow Wednesday night.

5-10 cm of forecast snow and strong west winds on Wednesday night are expected to form fresh wind slabs sitting on a thick rain crust. 

The 10-20 cm thick rain crust makes human triggering of avalanches on weak layers deeper in the snowpack very unlikely.

However, cornices overhead are a primary concern during sunny, warm, or windy conditions. Cornice failures can trigger very large persistent slab avalanches that would otherwise be difficult to human trigger.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.