Avalanche Forecast

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) persistent slab, wet slab, and wet loose avalanches were reported on Sunday.

If poor riding quality doesn't deter you on Tuesday, keep in mind that human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, large natural avalanches have the potential to entrain significant mass and run to valley bottom.

Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight at upper elevations.

The snowpack has two buried weak layers of concern:

• A layer of facets and surface hoar buried 30 to 60 cm deep, covered by a thin crust at lower elevations but remaining active higher up.

• A crust and facet combo from the new year down 80 to 100 cm. This layer seems to be becoming active now that it has a significant load over it.

Currently, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded, featuring a thick crust near its base.

Monday Night

Partially cloudy with periods of light rain. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 3000 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks, rainfall up to 5 mm. Alpine wind south 10 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind south 25 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 2 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with mixed precipitation, up to 5 mm accumulation. Alpine wind south 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, it is raining, or solar radiation is strong.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
• Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.