Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No new avalanches reported on Tuesday.

New snow and wind on Thursday will likely build reactive storm slabs at upper elevations.

Rain and warming to mountaintop has saturated the upper snowpack on all aspects and elevations, except high north-facing alpine slopes. As freezing levels fall Thursday, a widespread crust will form. New snow accompanied by strong south wind will likely build storm slabs at upper elevations. Expect deeper and more reactive deposits on north and east-facing slopes.

A robust crust, formed in early March, can be found in the mid-pack. The snow above is well bonded to this crust.

Below this, the snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 20 to 35 mm starting as rain and turning to snow above 1200 m by 4 am. 50 to 75 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level dropping to 1500 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 mm falling as snow above 1100 m. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 20 to 40 mm falling as snow above 1000 m. 50 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm falling as snow above 1000 m. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.