Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Thursday: Generally clear skies / Light to moderate northeast wind / Alpine temperature -13Friday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light northeast wind / Alpine temperature -20 Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature of -14

Most recent reports indicate avalanche activity to size 1 from steep wind loaded features in the alpine. One isolated report of size 2.5 avalanche from a steep windloaded pocket in the alpine on a south aspect.

Continued cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting at all elevations. Surfaces are reported to be wind-affected in exposed areas well into treeline. Wind slabs exist in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Areas sheltered from the wind may be developing a new surface hoar layer. The mid-november crust is buried down 100-180 cm and produces variable results in snowpack tests. Moderate results may be more likely in shallower snowpack areas, and deeper snowpack areas may be more likely to show no results on this layer. Professionals continue to monitor the crust for facet development that may provide a weak layer above a hard sliding surface in the future.