Avalanche Forecast
Assess for warming-related avalanche problems this weekend. Monday's storm could form new wind slabs.
This is the final daily avalanche forecast for the season.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
This report on Thursday describes small wet loose avalanches and glide slab releases on sun-exposed slopes. Similar activity is possible in the coming days with daytime warming.
This report highlights large cornices that still exist along alpine ridgelines. Cornices could fail at any point.
Please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A hard melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for north aspects of high alpine terrain, where a soft snow surface may prevail. The crust will soften with daytime warming. Monday's storm may form new wind slabs in lee alpine terrain features and otherwise wet the snow surface where precipitation falls as rain.
There are no deeper layers of concern. Cornices remain large and looming in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of alpine snow and rain below. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Daytime warming could weaken cornices. Best practice is to stay well back of them on ridges and limit travel beneath them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible during the heat of the day or during rain at lower elevations on Monday. Back off high-consequence terrain when the snow surface is wet.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may form on Monday with new snow and strong wind. Assess for slab development before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2