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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2025–Mar 14th, 2025
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

40 cm or more of storm snow and wind have formed reactive slabs. When the sun comes out and temperatures rise, expect avalanche activity to be very likely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Many small to large (size 1 to 3) storm, wind slab, and cornice avalanches were either triggered naturally, by humans, or by explosives on Wednesday. These occurred at treeline and alpine elevations primarily on north aspects. Most slabs were 50 to 80 cm deep.

With new snow and daytime warming, human-triggered avalanches will be very likely on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

On Thursday, 20 to 30 cm of new snow fell, accompanied by moderate southwest winds, forming new storm and wind slabs. Since last Saturday, up to 90 cm of storm snow has accumulated, sitting on a hard melt-freeze crust and surface hoar crystals in wind-sheltered areas.

Weak layers of surface hoar and/or faceted grains, buried in mid-February and late January, are found 60 to 150 cm deep.

The lower half of the snowpack remains strong.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind have formed reactive new slabs. Expect large human triggered avalanches to become very likely when the sun appears and as daytime temperatures rise.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Buried weak layers from January and February could still be triggered, particularly at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slab avalanches could step down to these layers, forming very large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are likely to be human-triggered near or just below ridge crests, with the deepest slabs found on east-facing terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5