Avalanche Forecast

No recent avalanches have been reported.

5-10 cm of light, fluffy, new snow covers a generally wind-affected alpine, and 50-90 cm of, dry, settled snow at treeline.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.

Treeline snow depth ranges from 100 to 180 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly at low elevations where there has been more rainfall.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light north ridgetop wind, switching to southeast by the morning. Treeline temperature around -6 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected to near valley bottom, up to 10 cm in the far south and west island. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy. Wild weather. Mixed precipitation, possibly 10-15 cm of snow above 1000 m, most likely on the east island. Above freezing layer with 10-20 mm of rain/freezing rain/pellets/snow more likely on the north, west and south island, up to 40 mm in the 5040 area. Extreme south or southwest ridgetop wind.

Saturday

Cloudy. Moderate rain in most areas (10-20 mm). Freezing level as high as 2500 m overnight, falling to 1750 by the morning. Moderate to strong south or southwest ridgetop wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.