Avalanche Forecast

A couple of skier-triggered avalanches surprised a ski touring group on Saturday. Both avalanches were reported as size 2 and occurred on a northeast, alpine slopes just below a rocky ridge top.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

5 to 15 cm of recent snow has fallen over firm snow above 1900 m. In sheltered north facing terrain at treeline and above, this new snow is likely soft and makes for good skiing. Below 1900 m, the snow is covered by a variably breakable crust.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. Reports indicate these are not currently a concern.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 30 to 45 km/h, freezing level around 1200 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 25 to 45 km/h, freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow in the alpine, southwest alpine wind 25 to 45 km/h, freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with light rain expected, south alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.