Avalanche Forecast

On Friday and Saturday, small (size 1) storm slabs and loose dry sluffing were reactive to skier traffic. Explosive control work on Saturday produce mostly size 1 storm slabs, with a few size 1.5-2. Greatest reactivity has been in wind loaded areas in the alpine.

Prior to the most recent storm, cornices and wind slabs were reactive. Several cornice failures triggered size 2-3 wind slabs in the alpine. Several skier-triggered wind slabs were reported from north and west aspects.

A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1000 m. 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has likely been blown into deep deposits in leeward terrain features at wind-exposed elevations by previous strong southeast to southwest winds. The recent snow sits over a variety of surfaces that include a heavily wind-affected alpine and treeline and a crust at lower elevations and solar aspects.

The middle of the snowpack is strong and bonded. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored for signs of reactivity.

Sunday night

Partly cloudy with convective flurries accumulating a few cm. Alpine low -10 °C. Light northerly wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Light southwest wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1300 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1300 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -5 °C. Freezing level rises to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
• Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.