Until cold temperatures lock in this hot mess of a snowpack, dangerous avalanche conditions with persist.
It's a good idea to avoid avalanche terrain and spend time at the ski resort.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) wet slab and wet loose avalanches have been reported from all aspects and elevations.
Until the snowpack gets locked in by cold temperatures, human-triggered avalanches remain likely and large natural avalanches are possible. Avoid overhead exposure, large natural avalanches could entrain significant mass and run to valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight but will break down quickly throughout the day.
Roughly 40 to 50 cm of snow from last week sits over various old surfaces. In some areas, it is slow to bond due to sugary facets.
Near the bottom of the snowpack, there are a series of crusts and facets that are more prominent in shallow areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear periods. Alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h from the southwest. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 3000 m.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. Alpine wind light from the southwest. Treeline temperature 2 °C, freeing level 3000 m.
Thursday
Sunny with increasing cloud cover. Alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h fro the south. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2600 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Alpine wind southwest 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Wet Slabs
Wet slab avalanches may continue to occur if the upper snowpack is still saturated from rain and prolonged elevated freezing levels.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
