Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy / moderate south wind / alpine low temperature near -8 

THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with a few flurries / light to moderate southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 

SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

It may be possible to trigger small pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Steep terrain features with no slab may sluff when ridden.

On Tuesday there were a few reports of explosives triggered size 1.5-2 avalanches.

There were a few reports of natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches on Monday.

5-15 cm of recent fresh snow sits on firm wind affected snow at upper elevations, on surface hoar in some sheltered areas, on a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m, and on a sun crust on south-facing slopes. Recent southeast winds may have redistributed some of this new snow, creating wind slabs in leeward terrain.

In the south, the underlying snowpack is well consolidated. In the north, a melt-freeze crust from early December may be found 100 to 200 cm deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer is gaining strength and has been unreactive in recent weeks.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.