Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Saturday, some small (size 1) human triggered storm slab and loose dry avalanches were reported in the recent storm snow.

We're uncertain on whether avalanches could still release on the surface hoar layer described in the Snowpack Summary, so travel cautiously until there is evidence it is bonding or has been destroyed.

30-55 cm of snow sits on a 5-15 cm melt-freeze crust. Below this crust you may find moist snow to ground, or dry, possibly refrozen snow and a layer of somewhat preserved surface hoar, ~60 cm deep.

Triggering this layer is most likely in areas where the overlying crust is thinner and less supportive, and where it didn't already fail in last weeks snow storm. We recommend treating this layer as suspect while we await more observations.

Snow depth is generally 70-110 cm at treeline, tapering quickly below. The mid and lower snowpack may contain a weak facet layer in shallower areas.

Monday Night

Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.

Tuesday

Sunny. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4°C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, increasing cloud in the afternoon. No new snow expected. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4°C, with possible temperature inversion in the alpine.

Thursday

Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Moderate west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -6°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
• Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.