Avalanche Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, 5 cm new snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level at 1500 m.

MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, 2 cm new snow, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level at 1800 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy, 15 cm new snow, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -5 C, freezing level at 1500 m.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, 15 cm new snow, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -8 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

The last few days saw a high amount of avalanche activity with numerous slab avalanches up to size 2 that were triggered by skiers and explosives or released naturally (see this MIN report or this MIN report as an example). A few natural cornice failures were observed on Saturday. Some avalanches were larger than expected (see this valuable MIN post). Several parties reported signs of instability as whumpfing and shooting cracks (this MIN report has illustrative pictures). Loose dry avalanches (sluffs) in steep alpine and treeline features were reported throughout the week. 

20-30 cm recent snow buried surface hoar and other old surfaces. In the alpine, the new snow sits on top of layers of hard wind slab, scoured areas, sastrugi and isolated pockets of soft snow. A hard crust underneath the new snow is found up to 1800 m.    

A solid mid-pack sits above a deeply buried crust and facet layers near the bottom of the snowpack (150-200 cm deep), which are currently unreactive. 

• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Watch your sluff: it may run faster and further than you expect.