Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches observed or reported, But evidence is easily visible as you drive through the valleys.

Dry snow remains on polar aspects at higher elevations, with recently formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Solar aspects are primarily crusty in the morning and becoming moist with daytime heating and radiation. Travel at lower elevations is fast and easy in the mornings on a thick melt-freeze crust from the rain last week. Forecasters continue to track persistent weaknesses down anywhere from 40 to 100cm on polar aspects. These weaknesses are highly variable in nature and travelers should take the time to dig down and evaluate the snowpack frequently. Also, the lingering deep persistent slab problem is still alive and well. The deep weak layer of facets and depth hoar have become quite active in the increased heat, and this is expected to continue, with large destructive avalanches possible.

Solar radiation has a big influence on stability at this time of year. Stability will quickly deteriorate on solar aspects as temperatures warm up. These decreases will be most apparent on steep solar aspects, especially in thin rocky terrain. Early starts and finishes that avoid the heat of the day are key. Also pay close attention to what aspect you are on or under, and be mindful of cornices.

Sunday evening there may be some flurries 4cm. Night time low's will be -9. 45-65km Southwest winds. Monday will have a mix of sun and cloud, no precip expected, and winds continue to gust in to the 60 km range from the Southwest.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.