Avalanche Forecast

High

On Wednesday, a few small (size 1-1.5) rider triggered avalanches were reported on east or northeast facing slopes in the alpine.

On Tuesday, several small (size 1.5) natural avalanches were reported from steep south-facing slopes.

If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the mountain information network.

Due to recent strong north wind, you may find small wind slabs on aspects that are typically windward. A thin sun crust may now exist on solar aspects, becoming moist in the afternoon.

10 to 40 cm of snow overlies a widespread thick crust.

In general, the crust is strong and supportive to travel below 1900 m. Above 1900 m the crust becomes breakable and tapers out entirely around 2400 m.

Various weak layers persist in the mid to lower snowpack, however, triggering these layers is unlikely where they are bridged by a thick crust.

Thursday Night

Clear. No new snow expected. Light southeast through northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.

Friday

Sunny. No new snow expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light to moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.