Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Loose wet avalanches to size 2 were observed today from steep, rocky, S-facing slopes in the alpine.

A MIN reported loose snow avalanches on the steep S slopes of Swiss Peak Wednesday.

Neighboring operations have been observing solar triggered loose snow avalanches out of steep terrain this week, up to size 2. A few natural cornice failures have been observed up to size 2.5

The most recent storm snow that fell in the alpine has been settled and squished by the warm temperatures on all but the highest North facing slopes. A decent corn snow cycle has been occurring on solar slopes, but timing is everything! With forecasts for rising freezing levels and poor overnight "re-freeze", we could see the snowpack rapidly deteriorate and become isothermal. Expect poor travel conditions below treeline.

The ridge of high pressure breaks down Sunday. Expect mixed skies and convective weather.

Tonight Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine Low 2°C. Light NW Ridge winds. Freezing Level (FZL) 2400m. Alpine temperature inversion

Sun Mix sun/cloud. High 3 °C. Light N wind. FZL 2400m

Mon Isolated flurries. High 2°C. Light SW wind gusting to 40km/h. FZL 2400m

Tues Mix sun/cloud. High 0°C. Moderate W wind. FZL 2100m

• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.