Avalanche Forecast
Wind slabs may be reactive on north through east aspects at upper elevations. Whumpfing, cracking, and avalanches are good indicators of an unstable snowpack. Use extra caution around slopes that are being warmed by the sun.
Be ready to change plans with the potential for quick changes in the weather.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A natural icefall size 2 was reported from a NE aspect in the high alpine. This did not pull a slab avalanche from the slope below.
When the sun pokes out you may see natural wet or dry loose avalanches from solar aspects. Spring weather can change quickly so be willing and ready to adjust your trip to the conditions.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of mostly soft snow is settling over a widespread, thin crust except on north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces.
The mid-snowpack is generally strong.
There continues to be a weak layer of facets from November at the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern in rocky, shallow, or thin to thick snowpack areas at treeline and above.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 20-30 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Light variable wind from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -5°C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with possible sunny breaks. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1700 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 3 cm of snow is expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 40 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The weekend storm dropped about 20 cm of snow across the region. Due to recent, moderate southwest wind, expect to find deeper, more reactive deposits of wind slab on leeward slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5