Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche activity has been tapering off for the past few days. Generally only small rider and remotely triggered avalanches have been reported. The exception is one size 3 natural wind slab on a steep northeast alpine feature on Saturday. Despite this trend we remain concerned about the early February crust/facet layer and expect it to remain rider triggerable.

Strong winds have formed wind slab on northerly aspects and scoured south facing terrain above treeline. The snow surface will likely become moist at lower elevations.

Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack. One from late February and the other from early March.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 70 to 120 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas.

The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.

Monday Night

A mix of clear skies and cloud with up to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of  new snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Wednesday

Clearing throughout the day with trace amounts of new snow. 15 to 30 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Thursday

Mostly Sunny with trace amounts of new snow at higher elevations. 15 to 30 km/h west alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
• Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.