Avalanche Forecast

Steer around open slopes greater than 35 degrees Wednesday as stormy conditions form new and potentially reactive slabs. Avalanche danger should peak during periods of intense snowfall and blowing snow. Use small slope tests and hand pits to investigate the storm snow and how it bonds to the recent crust. We believe avalanche concerns should be limited to the new snow and the crust formed over the MLK weekend. 

At lower elevations, you could encounter rain which may lead to wet surface snow conditions. Look for and avoid slopes where you find new rollerballs or see fresh fan-shaped avalanche debris.

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.