Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Four large (size 2) and two small (size 1) natural slab avalanches, and numerous small human-triggered slab avalanches were reported in the alpine and treeline elevations on Tuesday. On Monday, numerous skier-triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported primarily at treeline and above on a variety of aspects. Here's one example.

40 to 65 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.

Concern remains for triggering persistent slab avalanches. These layers include:

• Facets/surface hoar/crust from early March buried 40-70 cm.

• Facets/surface hoar/crust from mid-February buried 60-100 cm

• Facets/surface hoar/crust from late January buried 100-160 cm.

The lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

Wednesday night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds Treeline temperature -4 °C. freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.