Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Thursday: A mix and of cloud and light precipitation. Freezing level around 1500 m. Light southerly winds.Friday: Cloud or light precipitation, dissipating. Light winds. Freezing level around 1500 m. Saturday: Clearing skies. Light south-westerly winds. Freezing level 1500 m.

Recent reports include wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 in response to warming and sunshine. Large glide avalanches were also reported. On Saturday, a size 3 glide release removed trees and left a 4-5 m deep deposit near Shames. Last week, a large icefall triggered a slab in the Bear Pass area, creating a size 4 avalanche.

Cornices and icefall are an increased concern now that spring is upon us. A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Forecast rainfall at low elevations may keep the snow surface weak. Pockets of dry snow and surface hoar may still be found on high north aspects. Areas of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.