Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

It's been a stormy week with a significant natural avalanche cycle occurring over the past few days up to size 3.

With more new snow and strong winds in the forecast, the danger is expected to remain elevated with large natural avalanches possible and human-triggering likely.

15 to 40 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate overnight and through Monday, with potential for rain below 1200 m. Strong southwesterly winds are expected to cause widespread wind effect and loading of lee areas at upper elevations.

The new snow will add to the previous 30 to 80 cm that fell over the last week. In many areas, the combined storm snow is overlying a weak layer of surface hoar or facets, over a thick, hard crust. Smaller storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating very large avalanches.

Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 to 450 cm.

Sunday Night

Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Monday

Cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 15 to 30 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy. 15 to 40 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.