Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Saturday, southeast of Golden, a small (size 1.5) deep persistent slab avalanche was reported in steep alpine terrain on a northeast aspect. It may have been triggered by a falling cornice. Facets deep in the snowpack continue to be a low-probability, high-consequence problem.

Over the weekend, several small (up to size 1.5) wind slab and loose avalanches were reported in steep alpine terrain, some triggered by humans, and some by the sun.

Variable wind has created wind slabs on all aspects in alpine and open treeline terrain. Thin sun crusts have formed on steep slopes that face the sun.

In sheltered areas, 10 to 30 cm of settling snow sits over a frozen crust that formed in early February. This crust is generally supportive to the weight of a human below treeline, becomes breakable around treeline, and disappears as you ascend higher into the alpine.

The midpack is generally faceted.

The bottom 15-30 cm of the snowpack consists of weak faceted grains, depth hoar, and crusts that continue to produce sporadic, large avalanches.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 0-1 cm of snow expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m. 

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.