Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Rockies.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain active to human triggers in isolated locations; especially where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust.
Cornices are very large in many areas, be aware of what's above your head.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light north winds / Low of -17 / Freezing level surface.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northeast wind / High of -10 / Freezing level surface.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate northwest wind / High of -9 / Freezing level surface.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate northwest wind / High of -7 / Freezing level surface.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Recent west and northwest winds have formed wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. These slabs may remain more reactive on south facing slopes where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust. Below the recent snow, there may be a layer of small surface hoar that is likely most pronounced on northerly aspects or sheltered locations.
Lower elevations have seen warm temperatures last week and have a melt freeze crust on the surface.Â
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas, with multiple crusts throughout. No recent persistent slab avalanches have been reported on these layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may remain active to human triggers in isolated locations; especially where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust.
Cornices are very large in many areas, be aware of what's above your head.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2