Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Friday Night: Snow, 5-15 cm, alpine temperature -1 C, moderate southwest wind.

Saturday: Flurries, 5-10 cm, alpine temperature -4, moderate southwest wind.

Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -10, moderate north wind.

Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -8, moderate north wind.

Recent reports indicate skier triggered and natural storm slab avalanches to size 2, and cracking on small, supported slopes. On Thursday there were reports of a few explosives triggered size 2.5-3 storm slab avalanches on southeast aspects in the alpine. There were also a few reports persistent slab avalanches failing on a layer of surface hoar (down 60-80 cm) at treeline elevations. Expect to see an increase in storm and persistent slab avalanches as the new snow continues to accumulate through Friday night and Saturday.

20-30cm of new snow falling over the past 36 hours has added to the 30-50 cm of storm snow from early in the week. All this new snow has covered a thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas around treeline and below.

A layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 60-100 cm. In some areas this may sitting on a thin crust.

A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack. Total snow depths range from 120-150 cm around tree line.