Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Carefully assess your line for wind slab hazard. Remember that small avalanches can have large consequences in the wrong terrain.
Cornices are large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or sunny weather.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear, no precipitation. 25-40 km/h wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures drop to -14 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny, no precipitation. Light wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures reach -3 C.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny, some high cloud, no precipitation. Light wind from variable directions, treeline temperatures reach -5 C.
SATURDAY: Mainly clear, no precipitation. Light variable wind, treeline temperatures reach -3 C.
Avalanche Summary
No notable avalanche activity has been reported since last Friday, but reports of blowing snow on Monday and Tuesday suggest wind slabs have formed at upper elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Open terrain has been wind-affected, with recent wind scouring southeast slopes and loading snow onto east and north-facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. A widespread melt-freeze crust can be found 20 to 50 cm deep in most areas, and up to 80 cm in the snowiest parts of the region. This crust is near the surface below 1200 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent outflow wind has left slabs on west and south-facing slopes in the alpine. Be cautious around ridge crests and steep rolls.
Aspects: North, North East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3