Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday several skier triggered avalanches up to size 2 were reported. These avalanches were generally on easterly aspects at treeline but some occurred on north aspects as well. These avalanches involved surface hoar layers from February and January.

Previous storm totals average 30-50 cm of low density snow. Expect deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes, from southwest winds. This storm snow sits over heavily wind affected surfaces at all elevations.

A layer of surface hoar can be found on shaded slopes, and a sun crust on sun affected slopes buried 30-70 cm deep. Another layer from January is buried just below this. These layers has been noted as a failure plane for some avalanche activity.

Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well consolidated and bonding. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong westerly winds and a low of -10°C at 1800 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with the possibility of convective flurries bringing up to 10 cm of new snow. Light to moderate westerly winds and a high of -8°C at 1800 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with the possibility of convective flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. Light southerly winds and a high of -5°C at 1800 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light southeast winds and a high of -7°C at 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.