Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain

A series of frontal systems will continue to affect the region over the next few days. In general, expect 15-25cm of snow each 12 hour period, with moderate to strong W-SW winds, and fluctuating freezing levels (FL). Tuesday: 30-40cm, heaviest in the evening/overnight. Strong SW winds, rising overnight. FL around 800-1000m gradually rising. Wednesday: 25-40cm, heaviest overnight. Strong W-SW winds. FL rising to 1600-1800m. Thursday: 20-35cm. Strong SW winds. FL lowering to 1000m.

Numerous Size 1-2 slab avalanches have been reported in the past 48 hours, primarily in wind affected terrain near ridge crests. Expect the size and likelihood of avalanches to increase through the forecast period.

The new snow continues to pile up with an additional 15-25cm falling Sunday through Monday afternoon. Touchy wind slabs up to 60cm deep have formed on north through east aspects in response to strong SW winds. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. Snow depths are at approximately 150cm at treeline in the Spearhead area and 180cm at treeline in the Brandywine area.