Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

FRIDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Many small to large (size 1 to 2) avalanches were reported in the region on Sunday and Monday, mostly being triggered by humans. Slabs near ridges were reported in alpine and treeline terrain. Slabs at and below treeline occurred on the surface hoar layer described in the Snowpack Summary.

20 to 40 cm of snow from the weekend has consolidated into a reactive slab. At higher elevations near ridges, wind slabs have formed on predominantly north to east to south aspects. In sheltered terrain, the slab may overly a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. On south aspects, sunny skies may begin to wet the snow surface during the day and form a melt-freeze crust during the cooler nights.

A few other crusts exist in the top 100 cm of the snowpack; reports suggest that the overlying snow is bonding relatively well to them.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
• Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.