Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Another frontal system tracking inland from the NW Coast will bring unsettled conditions accompanied by light-moderate precipitation. Thursday: Mainly dry conditions with a mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Treeline temperatures near -3. Freezing levels 1500 m. Friday: Snow amounts moderate accumulating 15 cm. Ridgetop winds light-moderate from the SW. Freezing levels 1000 m, falling to valley bottom overnight. Saturday: Light snow amounts. Ridgetop winds L-M from the SW. Freezing levels near 1000 m.

A widespread natural cycle occurred on Monday, operators reported numerous size 2-3.5 natural avalanches, starting in the alpine on all aspects and most elevations.. A minor natural cycle up to size 3 in the Alpine occurred Tuesday. Rider triggered slabs were also reported in the size 1-2 range, failing within storm snow instabilities. I suspect conditions will still remain touchy, and unpredictable. With more forecast snow, wind and warming the avalanche danger will elevate.

The weekend past, 60-100 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have created storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) buried in February are a concern at all elevations and could be triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs, or the additional load of a sled/skier. Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. If the sun shines, watch for snowpack deterioration on solar aspects. Large cornices have formed, and may act as a potential trigger on slopes below. They could step down to the persistent weakness.