Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

A widespread natural avalanche cycle has occurred over the last 4 days with warm temps and high freezing levels with numerous size 3-3.5 from all aspects. The most notable being a size 4 from the West Face of Mt. Cheops. These avalanches were failing within the moist upper snowpack and stepping down to the persistent weak layer (over 1m deep).

Natural avalanche activity will decrease as the temperatures drop back down to seasonal norms over the next few days.

There will likely be a crust on all aspects and elevations, thicker on solar aspects and becoming thinner with elevation on polar aspects.

The March 8th interface is down ~40cm and may be a crust on steep solar aspects.

80-140cm of settled snow sits above a sugary facet layer. These facets are poorly bonded to the widespread, firm crust from Feb 3rd. This is a significant persistent weak layer and will be a concern for the foreseeable future.

The freezing level will gradually drop Monday night, ushering in the desired refreeze all you shredsters are looking for after 4 days of above zero temps above tree line.

Tuesday will be mainly cloudy with light south winds and a freezing level up to 1900m. A pacific low swings into our region on Wednesday with ~10cm overnight and another 15cm on Thursday. Temps will continue to drop through the week.

• Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
• Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.