Avalanche Forecast

Low - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Monday: Mix of sun and cloud with new snow 5-10 cm. Alpine temperatures near -8 and Freezing levels rising to 700 m. Ridgetop winds strong from the west. Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1000 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the west.Wednesday: Sunny with valley cloud and alpine temperatures reaching a high of plus 7. Freezing levels 400 m with a very strong alpine temperature inversion. Ridgetop winds light from the southwest.Expect strong inversions in the alpine up to 3000 m. For detailed information visit the Mountain Weather Forecast.

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Stiff wind slabs may exist at treeline and in the alpine on leeward slopes and cross-loaded features. If triggered, these could step down and trigger deeper weak layers, initiating large avalanches. The last significant avalanche observation was submitted on November 28th from Skilokis Cr. A size 2.5 persistent slab was triggered from 150 m distance away. This problem will likely linger. Check out the Mountain Information Network for more details. Give info, get info.

Alpine snow surfaces are likely wind affected with average snowpack depths 80 cm -140 cm at treeline elevations, and up to 160 cm in the alpine. Approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar results at this crust interface. These crusts are widespread and extend well into the alpine. Below these crusts exists a well settled mid pack overlying the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This late October "crust/facet combo" is widespread and has been reactive to rider triggers.