Avalanche Forecast

High

Loose wet avalanches were reported on Saturday and Sunday from steep sun-affected slopes. We expect this activity to continue while temperatures remain warm and there is strong sunshine.

If you are headed into the backcountry please consider submitting a MIN report.

Strong sunshine and warm temperatures have formed a crust on most surfaces, except on north-facing alpine slopes where the snow may remain loose and dry. Small pockets of wind slab could still linger in those cooler high alpine zones. With daytime warming, the crust will likely soften and melt, improving riding conditions that have been reported as challenging in many areas. However, loose wet avalanches may also become possible during this time. The mid and lower snowpack is dense, well-settled, and currently shows nothing concerning.

Tuesday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Above freezing layer breaking down, freezing level 3000 m dropping to 500 m.

Wednesday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing levels 500 m rising to 1000 m.

Thursday

Increasing cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels 400 m rising to 700 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of new snow / light rain. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 500 m rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.