Until cold temperatures lock in this hot mess of a snowpack, dangerous avalanche conditions with persist.
It's a good idea to avoid avalanche terrain and spend time at the ski resort.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) wet slab, persistent slab, and wet loose avalanches have been reported from all aspects and elevations.
Until the snowpack gets locked in by cold temperatures, human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, very large natural avalanches are possible and have the potential to run to valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight but will break down quickly throughout the day.
The snowpack has two buried weak layers of concern. A layer of facets and surface hoar buried 30 to 60 cm deep. A crust and facet combo from the new year down 80 to 100 cm. Elevated freezing levels have made these layers more reactive.
Currently, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded, featuring a thick crust near its base.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h from the south. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind southeast 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers. Alpine wind southeast 15 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 2300 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with wet flurries, up to 5 mm accumulation. Alpine wind northwest 5 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 2100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Very large and destructive avalanches could reach valley bottom.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Problems
Wet Slabs
Wet slab avalanches have been failing on or stepping down to buried weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack resulting in very large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
