Avalanche Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: No significant precipitation expected, light west/southwest wind, freezing level near valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover at dawn building to overcast by lunch, no significant precipitation expected during the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 1500 m. 5 to 10 cm expected Sunday night.

MONDAY: Overcast, 15 to 20 cm of snow possible, strong southwest wind, freezing level around 1500 m.

TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, moderate west wind, freezing level around 1500 m.

Aside from a bit of minor pinwheeling, no new avalanches reported since last Tuesday, when natural avalanche activity was observed on all aspects to size 3. A size 2 wet slab avalanche was rider triggered on a south facing treeline slope, failing on the crust buried in early March.

Small pockets of wind slab may sit on north and east facing slopes at higher elevations. The upper snowpack is going through a daily melt-freeze cycle. A crust exists on all aspects to around 2500 m. Warm temperatures and sun may soften or break down the crust during the day and create moist snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels. 

At 40 to 70 cm below the snow surface a sun crust exists on solar aspects, and weak surface hoar crystals sit on shaded aspects from early March. Reports suggest this layer is bonding well. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.