Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Reports have been limited during the stormy period, but widespread avalanche activity with slabs up to size 3 has been reported in the southern parts of the region. Several cornice collapses, some of which triggered slabs below, have also occurred.

On Friday, a large (size 3) persistent slab was observed near Blue River on a south-facing treeline slope.

Up to 35 cm of new snow has accumulated, building widespread storm slabs. Lower elevations are likely moist or wet. There is a significant concern for storm slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers. These consist of surface hoar, facets, or a crust:

• The early March layer down 50–100 cm. This is the primary weak layer of concern.

• Mid-Feb & Late-Jan layers down 80–180 cm. Concern for these is in shallow or rocky areas. Otherwise, they are unlikely to trigger without a significant load like a cornice failure or storm slab in motion.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm/mm of snow or rain with snowline climbing to 2500 m by end of day. 25 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +4 °C freezing level 2700 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow or rain below 1500 m. 25 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level falling to 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.