Avalanche Forecast

High

A field team in the Fidelity zone was able to ski-control several dry/loose sz 1 avalanches on N aspects, as well as ski-cut a wind slab on an E aspect.

The field team also was able to ski-control wet/loose avalanches to sz 2 on solar aspects steeper than 35°.

There were a few small loose snow avalanches from rocky/extreme terrain in the last couple days, including human-triggered from S aspects on the Swiss Peaks.

20-25cm of new snow and gusty SW winds have created wind slabs in upper elevation lee features. These slabs sit atop a series of crusts on all aspects except high north faces, where they overlie dry snow.

The Feb 3rd crust, down ~110cm, is the dominant mid-pack layer and still produces isolated planar results when tested.

Below tree-line, the snowpack has gone through many melt-freeze cycles, and is in spring conditions. Travel is rough at lower elevations.

The upper ridge will hold for Tues, then breaks down to scattered, light flurries on Wed.

Tonight: Clear with cloudy periods, Alp low -2°C, light ridgetop winds.

Tues: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high 3°C, light SW winds, FZL rising to 2400m.

Wed: Increasing clouds and flurries, 5-10cm, Alp high 1°C, gusty mod SW winds, 2100m FZL.

Thurs: Flurries, 5-10cm, Alp high -1°C, light SW winds, 1900m FZL.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.